What is Heroin?

Heroin is a highly addictive drug made from morphine, a pain-relieving drug made from the opium poppy. Heroin is usually a white or brown powder. It can be injected, smoked, or snorted.

Street names:

Big H, Black Tar, Dope, Junk, Skunk, Smack

Did you know?

• Many young people believe that heroin is only addictive if it is injected, so they try snorting it and smoking it. Heroin is addictive in any form.

Dangerous because:

• Heroin can cause a fatal overdose, especially when combined with alcohol or sedatives, or when used after a period of abstinence.
• Long-term use can cause collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining, liver disease, and pneumonia or lung disease.

Signs of use:

• Change in appearance, person no longer cares about being clean
• Nodding off
• Lack of energy
• Slowed and slurred speech
• Dry mouth
• Shallow breathing