Herion

Opiates are derived from the dried 'milk' of the opium poppy which contains morphine and codeine, both of which are effective painkillers and are used for many medical uses (both are used in many cough medicines and anti-diarrhoea treatments). Heroin in its pure form is a white powder which is easily soluble in water.

There are a number of synthetic opiates which are used as painkillers such as pethidine and methadone which is often prescribed for heroin and opiate addiction. Collectively opiates and synthetic opiates are called opioids.

Opioid powders can be swallowed or dissolved in water and injected, particularly into a vein which maximises the effect. Heroin is sometimes sniffed, or the fumes from the heated powder is inhaled (this method is sometimes called 'chasing the dragon').

The large majority of heroin is illegally manufactured and imported, which originates largely from the Indian sub-continent. When sold at street level it is likely to have been diluted or cut with a variety of similar powders. The main dilutant is glucose. However, the practice of using other substances such as caffeine, flour and talcum powder is a constant danger to users.

i

NEGATIVE EFFECTS
1. slowed and slured speech
2. slow gait
3. constricted pupils, droopy eyelids, impaired night vision
4. dry skin, itching, skin infections vomiting (at first use, and later at high doses)
5. constipation
6. "nodding off" (at very high doses)
7. decreased sexual pleasure, indifference to sex
8. sedation proceeding to coma
9. respiratory depression
10. HIV infection from injection
11. can impair immune system
12. addiction
13. reduced appetite
14. slow, irregular heart rate
15. Irregular blood pressure
16. menstrual irregularity
17. death from overdose