what is it?

HEROIN is one of a group of drugs that comes from the opium poppy. This group includes morphine and codeine, but heroin is the strongest. It is the most effective pain killer doctors have, being used to treat severe pain in patients suffering from terminal diseases.

what does it look like?

IN its purest form, heroin is a white powder, but street heroin is brownish in colour. It's usually sold in small paper packets, often known as 'wraps'.

what are the effects?

HEROIN relieves physical pain by creating a sense of euphoria in which things don't seem to matter. On using the drug, you feel warm, as if wrapped in cotton wool, and drowsy. If you are not used to the drug, it is common to be sick. Your skin can feel itchy, and you may nod off and wake several times. Some people become more lively.

what are the risks?

MOST of the health risks with heroin are to do with the content of street drugs, injecting and associated lifestyle. You may not know just how pure the drug is, making it easier to overdose. It may also be contaminated with other powders that could cause problems if injected. Many people however, if maintained on a regular dose of methadone or diamorphine (the medically prescribed substitutes) lead lives without the health complications and financial problems often associated with illegal heroin dependency .

how addictive is heroin?

HEROIN doesn't have to be injected, but may also be smoked or sniffed (snorted). All methods of use carry a risk of addiction, but it may take longer to develop if you are smoking or snorting. Physical addiction is not something that happens instantly, and most people experience a desire to take the drug again, but are not addicted. Some people do seem able to use occasionally over long periods of time.

what is an overdose, and what should you do?

OVERDOSES can happen when you take too much. This may be when you take your usual amount, after a period of not having any. This can also occur when the heroin is purer than usual. Some signs of overdose are extreme drowsiness which eventually leads to coma, shallow breathing, and cold clammy skin. If an overdose is suspected, then put the person in the recovery position (on their right side with left knee bent) making sure the airway is clear and call an ambulance immediately. In hospital, a drug can be given that reverses the effects of heroin. is it dangerous to stop immediately?

IF you've been using heroin regularly the physical symptoms of stopping suddenly include hot and cold sweats, stomach and muscle cramps, sleeplessness, runny nose and vomiting. It can be compared to a heavy dose of 'flu, and although unpleasant, it is rarely dangerous. Symptoms are usually at their worst after 3 days but after a week, most of the physical symptoms will have passed.

HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis

WHERE heroin is injected and syringes or paraphernalia shared, there is a risk of infection with HIV (which can lead to AIDS) and hepatitis. These can be transmitted through sharing blood contaminated syringes, needles, spoons and swabs etc.

People who are infected with these viruses usually appear healthy, and may not develop the disease for years. From the moment someone is infected however, they carry the virus in their blood, and can infect others through sexual intercourse and sharing injecting equipment. Those who inject can protect themselves from HIV, AIDS and hepatitis by using clean equipment, obtainable from needle exchanges and some chemists, and not sharing it with anyone else.

legal position

HEROIN is a Class A, Schedule 2 drug, under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, making possession, supply or production illegal. Penalties vary according to individual circumstances, and local policies.

injecting

If you are injecting heroin it is vital that you use clean needles, syringes (works), swabs, spoons etc and clean the area you are injecting into. This helps to reduce the risk of HIV and HepC. Clean needles and syringes can be bought at a chemist or obtained from a needle and syringe exchange. Your local drugs agency should have details of availability. Always use sterile water.