Inhaling -------- (chasing the dragon) Heroin is placed on some foil then slowly heated. It turns to oil that runs down the foil in lines leaving a trail of black residue. As it evaporates it forms a smoke, which is then inhaled through a tube.

Injecting : The heroin is mixed with a small amount of water and heated until it dissolves into a clear brown solution. The solution is then drawn up through a cigarette filter to filter out the impurities, it can then injected into a vain, mussel or beneath the skin.

WHAT IS HEROIN?

Heroin is used as a painkiller and is made from the opium poppy. · Morphine, codeine, methadone, palfium, diconal and pethidine have a similar effect. They are all-addictive or habit forming.

Anyone who uses heroin on a regular basis may experience:
1) Tolerance - a need for larger doses to get the same effect.
2) Withdrawal symptoms - sweats, running nose, chills and cramps if the drug is withdrawn.
3) A very powerful psychological craving for the drug.

HOW HEROIN IS USED?

Heroin can be smoked, sniffed or injected. · Each method has different risks but the effects are the same. · Smoking is the safer than snorting or injecting as the drug enters the body gradually, so the drug can be more easily controlled. · Sniffing takes the whole dose into the body at once making it easier to overdose. · Injecting is deadly, by injecting you put yourself at the greatest risk of all. Remember by putting the drug strait into your blood stream you bypass your bodies natural defences.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INJECTING?

Impurities are introduced directly into the bloodstream. This can cause septicaemia and other infections. · The drug reaches the brain almost immediately, increasing the possibility of an overdose. · Sharing syringes can cause hepatitis and HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS. · Repeated injections damage the veins, leading to thrombosis and abscesses.

HEROIN IS AGAINST THE LAW

Possessing heroin is punishable by up to 7 years in jail and an unlimited fine. · Supplying heroin (which includes giving some to a friend) can end up with you serving a life sentence and an unlimited fine. · Heroin can be detected in the blood stream or urine for up to 3 days.

WHAT HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR HEROIN USERS?

Many people stop using heroin on their own, without help. · The worst thing may be fear of withdrawal itself. · Withdrawal symptoms vary and really need medical help. · Symptoms subside after 10 days sometimes a bit longer. (you can do it) · There are many ways to get help including : Advice and support form professional people (including x addicts). Short term medication to help you overcome withdrawal symptoms. Referral to hospital for an in-patient withdrawal. If you have tried before and found it to hard, try again, and again, till you succeed, it can be done There is help if you need it. If you cannot find help, send me an e-mail I will help if I can.