Heroin.
Class A
Street Names - Smack, Junk, Horse, Brown, Skag
Description
Heroin is diamorphine hydrochloride, a powerful depressant. It is produced from raw opium, a chemical produced naturally by opium poppies. Heroin comes in three forms:
Brown is the commonest form on the streets. It is a powder that can be any colour from brown to white. The lighter the colour, the purer the heroin. The heroin content may be as low as 10%, mixed with other, unknown substances.
China White is grey granules.
Pharmaceutical heroin is pure. It comes as a white powder or in ampoules of clear liquid.
How it is used
Brown heroin is usually smoked, or the fumes inhaled when it is heated (chasing the dragon). China White is smoked or mixed with water and injected. Pharmaceutical heroin is injected.
Effects
Heroin provides a feeling of well-being, warmth and relaxation, whilst slowing the heart rate and breathing and causing drowsiness. These effects can last between one and six hours.
Regular use can lead to tolerance, with more heroin needed to achieve the same effect, and addiction. High doses can result in coma and overdose can result from a purer than usual supply.
The Law
Heroin is a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, with high penalties for its possession and supply.
It is an offence to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Risk Reduction
There is an inherent risk of accidental overdose associated with not knowing the purity of street drugs. Those who inject should always use new injecting equipment and dispose of it safely, to help reduce the risks of Hepatitis and HIV.