What Is Heroin?
Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive opioid made from morphine, a natural substance extracted from the seed pod of the opium poppy plant. It usually appears as a white or brown powder or as a black sticky substance (known as black tar heroin). Heroin is known for its intense euphoric effects, which quickly lead to dependence and addiction.
Heroin depresses the central nervous system, slowing heart rate and breathing, which can be fatal especially when combined with alcohol or other depressants. Its use can result in overdose and death, even with small amounts.
How Is It Used?
Injected into veins or muscles (fastest and most dangerous)
Snorted through the nose
Smoked in a pipe or rolled in foil
Mixed with other drugs (like cocaine – called “speedballing”)
Street Names
Smack
Horse
Brown Sugar
Junk
Dope
Skag
Black Tar
Health Risks
Addiction (Heroin Use Disorder)
Collapsed veins, liver/kidney disease
Infections: HIV, Hepatitis B/C (from needle sharing)
Constipation and sexual dysfunction
Overdose – slowed or stopped breathing, coma, death
Brain damage from lack of oxygen