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Sep 8, 2006

Heroin Facts

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)

Narcotics Anonymous

More Drug Facts Pages:

Crack / Coacaine - Effects, Symptoms, and Street Names

Crystal Methamphetamine Facts

Marijuana - Facts, Street Names, Symptoms of Use