The use of heroin by young people is not as widespread as in the late 1990's but heroin is still being used by some young people. It is essential workers are familiar with the facts about heroin.

WHAT

Heroin is an illegal depressant, extracted from the opium poppy. It is stronger than morphine and opium.  Other opioids include oxycodone, codiene, fentanyl, buprenorphine and methadone.

OTHER NAMES

Smack, skag, H, dope, junk, hammer, slow, gear, Harry, big Harry, horse, black tar, china white, Chinese H, white dynamite, dragon, elephant, homebake, poison.

HOW COMMON IS USAGE?

1.2 per cent of the Australian population over age 14 had used heroin (National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2013). According to the recent Census of Victorian young people in AOD treatment, 7 per cent of young people had used heroin in the past 4 weeks and 3 per cent had used it daily or almost daily.

APPEARANCE

A fine, white powder through to off-white granules or pieces of brown rock, odourless and with a bitter taste. Comes in aluminium foil, known as ‘foils’, and/or small, coloured balloons.

USE

Injected, smoked (‘chasing the dragon’) or snorted.

EFFECTS

Feelings of warmth, wellbeing, relaxation and sleepiness, itching, sweating and impaired concentration. The first dose can cause dizziness and vomiting. High is felt immediately when injecting, or after 10-15 minutes when snorting or smoking, and lasts between three and five hours.

OVERDOSE

Shallow or difficult breathing, extremely small pupils (known as ‘pinned’), bluish nails and lips, inability to be roused or woken.

An ambulance should be called if any of these symptoms occur.

COMMON MIXERS

Alcohol, cannabis and other depressants, increasing the likelihood of overdose. Sometimes used to ease a stimulant comedown.