Drugs
HEROIN
Appearance:
Pure heroin is a white powder but street heroin is cut with a range of substances and can be any colour from brownish white to brown. Cheap fillers are frequently mixed with heroin.
It can be smoked, snorted or dissolved in water.
Effects:
- A small dose gives a feeling of warmth and well being.
- Relief from physical and psychological pain.
- High doses can make the user sleepy.
- Possible slurred speech.
- Initial doses may cause dizziness and vomiting.
The Risks:
- Death from overdose.
- Respiratory failure.
- More dangerous when taken with other drugs.
- Constipation.
- Menstrual problems.
- Injecting can be one of the most dangerous ways of taking drugs.
- Gangrene and blood poisoning caused by infected wounds.
- Risks of HIV/Aids.
The Law:
Heroin is a Class A drug. It is illegal to possess, to give away or to sell.