NOT FOR PROFIT | REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2009/004578/08 | SARS REFERENCE: 9208/576/17/4
Heroin is considered one of the most highly addictive and the most dangerous drug on our planet. It is finding its way into South Africa at an alarming rate and is the most popular choice for drug abuse amongst teenagers.
Heroin is a semi synthetic opiate synthesized from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants - i.e. Asian poppy (Papaver somniferum)
It is typically sold as a white or brownish powder or as the black sticky substance known on the streets as "black tar heroin." Although purer heroin is becoming more common, most street heroin is "cut" with other drugs or with substances such as sugar, starch, powdered milk, or quinine.
Street heroin can also be cut with strychnine or other poisons. Because heroin abusers do not know the actual strength of the drug or its true contents, they are at risk of overdose or death. Heroin also poses special problems because of the transmission of HIV and other diseases that can occur from sharing needles or other injection equipment.
Heroin can be used in four (4) ways, namely:
1. by injecting it 2. by smoking it 3. by snorting it through the nose 4. by inhaling it - "Chase the Dragon"
The danger of overdose
Due to the depressant action of heroin on the central nervous system, it can lead to coma and potentially, death. The risk of overdosing increases with the concurrent use of other central nervous system depressants (such as alcohol), greater heroin dependence, and a longer history of heroin consumption.
SHORT-TERM EFFECTS
Clouded thinking Vomiting Pregnant women can suffer spontaneous abortion Slowed heart rate Severely slowed breathing, sometimes to the point of death
Bad teeth Infection of the gums Cold sweats Itching Weakened immune system Impotency Coma and death Pustules on the face Pockmark Constipation Sharing of needles results in hepatitis (severe liver disease), HIV and other blood-borne viruses.
Heroin is a semi synthetic opiate synthesized from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants - i.e. Asian poppy (Papaver somniferum)