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Heroin

  • Smack
  • Horse
  • White
  • Dope
  • H
  • Junk
  • Skag
  • Cam
  • Hard stuff
  • Jazz

Heroin

What is it? A central nervous system depressant.

Where does it come from? It is a powerful opioid derived from morphine, which comes from the opium poppy.

Also called… Smack, horse, white, dope, H, junk, China White, skag.

What does it look like? A white, beige, or brown powder.

How is it used? Injected, snorted, or smoked.

When does the buzz start? Immediately when injected or smoked, and within 2 to 3 minutes when snorted.

How long does the buzz last? Regardless of how it is used, heroin typically produces effects that last between 3 and 5 hours, depending on the dose.

Someone might choose to use heroin to…

  • experience a numbing sensation

  • feel soothed

  • experience a calm euphoria and a feeling of ecstasy

  • feel drowsiness

  • experience its anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects

However, heroin can also...

  • cause constipation

  • mood swings

  • provoke nausea

  • slow your breathing and heartbeat

  • reduce appetite

  • dry the mouth

  • induce drowsiness

  • cause excessive sweating

  • lead to an eating disorder

  • if used regularly, cause severe constipation, myosis, visual focusing problems,  sexual dysfunction (loss of libido, powerlessness, reduced fertility or menstrual disorders)

  • in the event of an overdose: cause deep sleep, respiratory failure, coma and/or death.

Heroin has a strong addiction potential. Injecting carries the risk of infection (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B and C) if you don’t use single-use sterile equipment. Tolerance to this substance (the need for higher doses to achieve the same effect) develops and increases rapidly.

If you use heroin…

  • Know that what is sold as heroin may contain other toxic or stronger substances, such as fentanyl.

  • Visit a safe injection site to access drug testing and inject legally in sanitary conditions, under professional supervision.

  • Start with small quantities to assess its strength and potency and reduce the risk of an overdose.

  • Avoid sharing equipment (syringes, spoons, pipes) to avoid transmitting STBBIs (e.g., HIV or hepatitis B and C).

  • Avoid mixing substances, especially alcohol or cocaine, which can lead to cardiac arrest.

  • Avoid activities that require clear judgment.

  • Stay with someone you trust, ideally someone who hasn’t used any substances.