Heroin: A quick reference for friends, family and co-workers.
Physical tolerance & dependence: High
Street Names: "H", dope, junk, black tar, smack, or named for design on package
Packaging: often waxed paper envelope, usually with a design or logo "brand" stamp, approx. 2.5x2 cm. Photos of heroin
How it's Used: "snorted" (inhaled nasally using a straw or rolled money), injected after mixing with water & strained through cotton, sometimes smoked
Symptoms during Use: constricted pupils (often referred to as "pinned"), nausea and/or vomiting, brief euphoria, persistent itchiness, sleepiness including falling asleep/going in and out of consciousness (known as "nodding out"), slow movement, decreased appetite, dry mouth, forgetfulness; longer term effects include constipation,
Withdrawal signs and symptoms: flu-like symptoms (especially runny nose, watery eyes), severe leg cramps, hot/cold flashes with heavy sweating, anxiety; symptoms immediately alleviated by necessary dose of drug
Symptoms & Effects Overdose: Slowed breathing, sustained unconsciousness, coma, death
For more information:
National Institute on Drug Abuse (U.S.)
US DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency)
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