Heroin (Depressant)
Street Name: Smack, scag, H, junk, gear
What it looks like and how it's taken:
Brownish-white powder. Some heroin comes in a brown/black form that looks like hard toffee.
Smoked, dissolved or injected.
Immediate effects:
Slows the brain, heart rate and breathing. Small doses bring a sense of warmth and well-being; larger doses make users drowsy and relaxed, and free from worry and pain.
Risks:
Short term: There is a real risk of drug overdose, possibly leading to coma or death, particularly when mixed with other drugs.
Long term: Heroin is highly addictive and larger and more frequent doses may be needed to feel 'normal'.
Injecting can damage veins; sharing needles can spread hepatitis and HIV.
Legal status: Class A
