Heroin (brown, gear)
What is it?
Heroin is normally a brown powder. It is made from opium; the synthetic form of heroin is morphine. It is normally sold in £10 bags or by the gram. Heroin is a depressant drug in that is slows down the central nervous system, heart rate and breathing.
Short-term effects
The effects depend on how much is consumed. Individual factors such as body weight, gender, the strength of the drug, mood, physical and mental health, how you take it, where you take it and whether or not it is mixed with other drugs including alcohol also have an impact.
As with any drug, users should test the strength of it by using a small amount first.
People trying heroin for the first time may feel dizzy, drowsy, and sick. They may actually vomit. After using heroin a few times tolerance develops and it can make users feel happy, content, warm and confident. Pupils become small (pinned). In higher doses people can “gouch” – they become extremely sleepy and can fall asleep while talking.
People also risk overdose if they have no tolerance or have a drop in tolerance due to having a break from heroin. A person’s tolerance can drop quite quickly.
Long-term effects
Heroin is a very addictive drug. Once addicted users will experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug leaves their system. These can include vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, sweating, aching, chills and low mood.
Street heroin is never pure and is often cut with other substances that can be harmful if injected. It is impossible to tell how strong the heroin is and this can result in overdose it if it is stronger than exected.
Injecting runs the risk of contracting a blood born virus such as hepatitis C and/or HIV if users share injecting equipment and/or paraphernalia. Injecting injuries and infections can also occur, as well as vein damage, which can result in deep vein thrombosis and/or circulatory problems.
Harm reduction
If you are determined to inject, never share needles or paraphernalia such as spoons, water, or filters with anyone, even if the person is your partner. This reduces the risk of getting hepatitis B, C and HIV.
Rotate injecting sites to minimise vein damage and always use sterile needles and paraphernalia to reduce the risk of infection.
If you have not used heroin for a while your tolerance will be reduced and you will not be able to take the same amount as you did previously safely.
Users should use a small amount of the drug first to test its strength; this helps them judge how much to take and reduce the risk of overdose.
Users should avoid using heroin with other drugs especially alcohol, benzodiazepines and other opiates such as methadone; combining drugs greatly increases the risk of overdose.
The law
Heroin is a Class A drug; it is illegal to possess, give away, or sell it.
Possessing heroin can lead to a prison sentence of up to 7 years, an unlimited fine or both. Supplying heroin (even to friends) can lead to a life sentence, an unlimited fine or both.
Allowing other people to use heroin in your home or other premises is illegal.
Driving while under the influence of drugs is illegal, and this can lead to a heavy fine, disqualification from driving and even a prison sentence in some cases.
If you are convicted of a drug-related offence it can stop you travelling to certain countries and affect the types of jobs you can apply for.
If you are using heroin (or any other substances), are worried about someone else’s use or would just like to know more, please contact us for more information.
