Heroin belongs to a group of drugs called opioids. Opioids are strong pain killers and are classed as depressants because they slow down the functions of the central nervous system. It can be inject, snorted or smoked. It usually comes in powder form and in different colours. Other names for heroin include smack, hammer, harry, dope, rocks, piss, shit and gear. It is illegal to possess, manufacture, supply, import or trade heroin in Australia. Penalties range from $2000 and/or 2 years in prison to a $500000 fine and/or life imprisonment in NSW.
Health effects
Heroin can produce nausea and vomiting, as well as constipation and itching. At higher doses, the pupils of the eyes narrow to pin-points, the skin becomes cold and breathing becomes slower and more shallow. Long term use of street opiotes (heroin) and the associated lifestyle may result in damage to the veins, heart and lungs. Women may experience irregular menstruation and possibly infertility, while men may experience impotence. Because heroin is usually injected, there is a particular risk for the user. Sharing injecting equipment - needles and syringes, spoons, sterile water, filters, alcohol swabs and tourniquets - greatly increases the risk of contracting diseases like tetanus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
Street heroin is often mixed with other substances such as glucose which makes it difficult to know the strength of the drug. This can lead to high risk of accidental overdose or death. Heroin can be dangerous when combined with other drugs, especially other depressants like alcohol or minor tranquilisers like rohypnol, rivotril and ducene. These combinations can lead to coma or even death.
Social effects
Drug-use can lead to social and emotional problems and can affect a person’s relationships with family and friends. When a person is under the influence of the drug, changes can occur in their behaviour depending on how they feel, eg sleepy, euphoric, sick. Friends may not be able to rely on the person as the user’s mood can change depending on whether they are stoned or not. Heroin is very expensive, use can lead to serious financial problems that may affect relationships.
Helping friends
It is safer not to use heroin at all. If you or a friend need help with a heroin problem contact a local service.
Because heroin can have harmful effects, users can be placed in potentially dangerous situations. Therefore they should not be left alone. If the situation becomes unsafe, call for help immediately.
If you suspect any bad effects, call an ambulance immediately. Don’t delay – you could save a life. The ambulance officers are there to help you. Be sure to describe what the person has taken. If the user is unconscious and you know first aid, place them in the come position and ensure the airway is clear.
It is safer not to inject drugs. If, however, you do inject, use clean syringes and equipment (needle, syringe, swab, tourniquet, spoon, glass, filter and sterile water) and don’t share gear.
Hooked
Many users quickly become dependent on heroin. They have a strong desire to continue to use because heroin has become important in their daily lives. If the heroin is unavailable they may panic or become anxious.
Withdrawal occurs when a dependent person stops using heroin or severely cuts down the amount used. Restlessness increases, followed by yawning, a runny nose, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and a craving for the drug. The chance of death increases if the person is withdrawing from other drugs or is in poor health. Withdrawal from heroin is less dangerous than withdrawal from alcohol or minor tranquilisers.
With assistance dependence can be reduced and stopped. For help visit the alcohol & drug unit within your local health service. Old habits can be changed.