What is Heroin?

Heroin is made from morphine, which is derived from the opium poppy. It is a white or brown powder you can snort, smoke, swallow or inject. The vast majority of heroin is illegally manufactured and is diluted or cut for sale on the street.

What are the Effects?

Heroin is a powerful painkiller, which depresses the central nervous system and prevents the feeling of pain. Small doses gives the user a sense of wellbeing and content, it gives most people a rush or buzz within minutes.

Heroin can also make you vomit and induce headaches, it is highly addictive and tolerance to the drug builds up rapidly.

What are the Risks?

As an illegal substance, the source can never be guaranteed. This means the user may risk overdose or poisoning. It is highly addictive, and long term effects include loss of sex drive, energy and lust for life. Injection carries many life-threatening risks, including HIV and other infections. Heroin can also kill at moderate doses.

Breathing problems, constipation and a loss of appetite leads to malnutrition and a decline in general health. Heavy long term users can experience mental health problems, and addicts often become involved in crime.

Pregnant women who use heroin, risk giving birth to smaller babies who are also addicted to the drug and will experience withdrawal soon after birth.

The Law

Heroin is a Class A drug. It is illegal to produce, supply or possess it. The maximum penalty for possession of drugs is seven years in prison or a fine. For supply: a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine.

Use in the UK

There are about 40,000 registered addicts in the UK, but the real figure could be four times that number.

How do I seek help?

Call our 24/7 Enquiries line on 0800374318 or 01304841700 for Confidential Advice