Heroin is a depressant drug. It is made from the dried milk of the opium poppy, which is also used to make painkillers such as morphine.
It is highly addictive and users soon become hooked.
Heroin is usually injected, but it can also be inhaled through a water pipe or snorted as a powder.
Heroin is never 100% pure as it is cut with other substances. These can make heroin extremely dangerous if injected. It can be impossible to know how strong a batch is which makes it very easy to overdose.
Health risks of heroin are: collapsed veins if injected; breathing problems; damage to the lining of the nose if snorted; risk of HIV or Aids from shared or dirty needles.
Heroin is a Class A drug. Possession can carry a prison sentence of 7 years. Supplying can carry a maximum life sentence. Both punishments can also carry an unlimited fine.
For more information order our leaflets on drugs from Resources.
Heroin is a depressant drug. It is made from the dried milk of the opium poppy, which is also used to make painkillers such as morphine.
It is highly addictive and users soon become hooked.
Heroin is usually injected, but it can also be inhaled through a water pipe or snorted as a powder.
Heroin is never 100% pure as it is cut with other substances. These can make heroin extremely dangerous if injected. It can be impossible to know how strong a batch is which makes it very easy to overdose.
Health risks of heroin are: collapsed veins if injected; breathing problems; damage to the lining of the nose if snorted; risk of HIV or Aids from shared or dirty needles.
Heroin is a Class A drug. Possession can carry a prison sentence of 7 years. Supplying can carry a maximum life sentence. Both punishments can also carry an unlimited fine.
For more information order our leaflets on drugs from Resources.