Heroin
Heroin
Heroin is an illegal substance in the opioid class. (Other opioids include morphine, codeine, pethidine, buprenorphine and methadone.) Heroin is made from the sap of the opium poppy. It is highly addictive and people who use it can become dependent and experience cravings. Initial effects include feelings of wellbeing and relief from physical pain.
One of the adverse effects of using heroin is the risk of
overdose
. Longer-term use can cause significant health and lifestyle problems.
Dealers usually mix or ‘cut’ heroin with other substances – such as sugar, paracetamol or
caffeine
– to boost their profits. This means that the person using heroin has no idea if the dose will be strong or weak.
Heroin generally takes the form of granules or powder, and can range in colour from white to brown. Users generally inject it intravenously (into a vein), but they can also snort or smoke it. Common slang terms for heroin include ‘smack’, ‘horse’ and ‘hammer’.
How heroin works
Heroin is a central nervous system depressant. This means it slows down a person’s brain function and affects their breathing (which can slow down or even stop). The person’s body temperature and
blood pressure
drop, and their heartbeat can become irregular. The person may lose consciousness or lapse into a coma. Ambulance officers, family and friends can give the medication naloxone to reverse the effects of heroin.
Effects of heroin
The effects of heroin depend on:
the strength of the dose
the size, weight, general health and state of mind of the person taking the heroin
the effects of other drugs and medication that they might have taken at the same time (or even in the last two days).
If the person has taken other depressants such as sleeping pills, tranquillisers, methadone or
alcohol
, the effects of heroin are increased. This can result in
coma
or even death.
Some of the immediate effects of taking heroin include:
a rush of pleasurable feelings and relief from physical pain
feeling sick or vomiting
shallow breathing, drowsiness and
sleepiness
a drop in body temperature
narrowing of the pupils
loss of sex drive.
Symptoms of heroin overdose
One of the most dangerous adverse effects of heroin use is the risk of overdose. The symptoms of overdose include:
dangerously low body temperature
slowed breathing
blue lips and fingernails
cold, clammy skin
convulsions and coma.
What to do if you suspect an overdose
If someone who has taken drugs does not respond when you talk to them, is snoring loudly or making gurgling noises, they may be in a coma and having trouble breathing. Do not assume that they are just ‘sleeping off’ the effects. Their airway may be blocked by their tongue falling back or other blockages.
This is a medical emergency. If you can’t wake them, dial triple zero (000) to call an ambulance immediately.
Naloxone
Naloxone is a drug that can temporarily reverse heroin overdose. It works by blocking opioid drugs from attaching to opioid receptors in the brain.
Victoria’s
Take-Home Naloxone
Program
External Link
makes free naloxone available from a range of community alcohol and other drug services to people who may experience or witness an opioid overdose. Naloxone is also
available at no cost from
pharmacies
External Link
participating in the Australian Government’s Take-Home Naloxone program.
Heroin dependence and tolerance
As with some other drugs, a person can build up a tolerance to heroin. After only a short time, the person using heroin will need to take larger doses to achieve the same effect. Soon their body will start to depend on heroin in order to function ‘normally’.
For some people who are dependent on heroin, nothing else in life matters except the drug. They may ignore their career,
relationships
and even basic needs like eating. Financial, legal and other personal problems may be related to heroin use. The person craves the drug and this psychological dependence makes them panic if they cannot have it, even temporarily.
Symptoms of heroin withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms can start after a matter of hours without a dose of heroin. They may include:
cravings
diarrhoea
and vomiting
stomach cramps
sweating
bone
,
joint
and muscle pain and twitching
mood swings and crying.
Damage caused by long-term heroin use
Using heroin on a regular basis can lead to major health and lifestyle problems including:
collapsed veins and
skin
abscesses
risk of contracting various blood-borne viruses, such as
HIV
and
hepatitis
, or blood poisoning from sharing needles and other injecting equipment, or using dirty or contaminated equipment
chronic constipation
increased risk of contracting
pneumonia
and other
lung
problems
fertility problems
disturbances of the
menstrual cycle
for women
impotence for men
poor nutrition and reduced immunity
loss of
relationships
, career and home as the person’s need for the drug becomes all-consuming
damage to the blood vessels that lead to the lungs,
liver
,
kidneys
and
brain
due to the additives mixed with heroin
risk of overdose.
Treatment for heroin addiction
Treatment options for heroin addiction include:
detoxification
individual counselling
group therapy
medication programs such as methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone.
Where to get help
In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
Your
GP (doctor)
– for information or referral to a drug treatment service
Alcohol and drug treatment services
– for help with dependence, detoxification, individual counselling and group therapy
Alcohol and Drug
Foundation
External Link
. Tel.
1300 85 85 84
DirectLine
External Link
. Tel.
1800 888 236
– for 24-hour confidential drug and alcohol telephone counselling, information and referral
Self Help Addiction Resource Centre
(SHARC)
External Link
Tel.
1300 660 068