Illegal Drugs - Parent Booklet

20 effects of heroin Heroin produces a ‘rush’ within seconds of injecting or smoking it, or up to about 5minutes if it’s snorted. The effects of heroin can last for approximately 3–5 hours. Heroin is one of a group of drugs known as opiates, so-called because they are natural products of the opium poppy — these also include opium, morphine, and codeine. In Australia, heroin can be a fine powder, granules or rocks, and is normally white or off-white in colour although it is sometimes brown. It is normally injected, but is also snorted, smoked, or heated and the vapours inhaled (chasing the dragon). It can be sold ‘cut’ (mixed) with a range of substances that can also be harmful. This makes it hard for the user to know the purity of what’s being taken. Heroin is also known as hammer, gear, or smack. heroin Effects of heroin vary, but may include: what is it ? heroin is considered to be the second most addictive drug after tobacco . immediate long term • Small (‘pinned’) pupils • Drowsiness and sedation (a state of calm or sleep) • Pain relief • Feeling of euphoria (a ‘high’) • Feelings of detachment • Nausea and vomiting • Overdose • Coma • Dependence (addiction) • Dental problems • Constipation • If injected there is an increased risk of infections like Hepatitis C and HIV • Infertility • Social problems, such as falling-out with friends • Financial issues such as debt and poverty