Heroin
(smack, brown, h, gear)
Heroin is an opioid drug that comes from morphine, a naturally occurring substance that is extracted from the resin of poppy flowers.
It comes mostly in powder form; mainly found in different shades of brown in the UK, it can be snorted, smoked or injected. All three carry dangers and complication with long term use:
When snorted: You’ll introduce into your body the whole powder substance, that includes cutting agents and all the impurities it may contain.
Effects
When snorted: You’ll introduce into your body the whole powder substance, that includes cutting agents and all the impurities it may contain.
- Smoked: breathing difficulties, COPD, pneumonia, emphysema.
- Injected: Scarred, collapsed veins, abscess, ulcers, DVT, blood clots, and other soft tissue infections.
- Bacterial infections of the blood vessels, heart valves, sepsis.
- Nerve damage.
- Risk of contracting blood borne viruses if using with others and share any equipment, this includes also same spoon, water, filter.
- Heroin is a very addictive substance, no matter in what method is used, prolonged use will cause increased tolerance and physical dependency. This means more of the drug need to be used to feel the desired effect, often the user will undertake risky behaviours and may mix it with other substances, this will greatly increase the likelihood of an overdose, especially if used together with other suppressant such as other opioids, any benzodiazepine, and alcohol.
- Also to be aware for first time users that heroin will last for few hours; length depends on quantity and purity, so it is not advisable to use any other drugs or alcohol.
Harm Reduction Advice
- Be aware of your dosage, especially after a period of abstinence, change of area, change of dealer.
- Do not mix with other drugs especially any other suppressant- “downers”
- DO NOT SHARE equipment, always use new sterile equipment and clean surfaces.
- Test for blood borne viruses regularly, ideally every three months.
- Try not to use on your own if first time user or just used very few times.
- Learn how to use Naloxone and make sure you always have a kit on you/ nearby when you use. Also, encourage using friends to get one and learn how to use it.
Access Support
To Access support please get in contact with BDP.
