WHAT IS HEROIN?

• Heroin ("smack", "junk", "dope") is made from the opium poppy. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opiates, along with opium and morphine.
• Heroin can come in a white or brownish powder (sometimes grainy) or a dark brown substance (sometimes sticky) known as tar.
• Heroin bought on the street almost always contains "cuts" (adulterants), and is rarely pure. Because Heroin has a street value of its own, it is not used as a "cut" for Ecstasy pills.

How is Heroin used?

• Heroin is snorted, "chased" (smoked), or injected.
• When injected, all of the heroin enters the blood stream at once, increasing the risk of overdose. Snorting and "chasing" can also lead to an overdose.

What are the Risks?

• Addiction is a risk of heroin use, whether you are snorting, "chasing", or injecting.
• Because purity and individual tolerance vary, overdose is a risk.
• Sharing injection equipment runs the risk of HIV and Hepatitus infection.
• Heroin injectors also run the risk of bacterial infection.
• Possession and sale of heroin can carry stiff penalties including incarceration and loss of student aid.
• Heroin abuse is associated with serious health conditions, including fatal overdose, spontaneous abortion, collapsed veins, and infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

What are the effects?

• Heroin users often report feelings of warmth, well being, euphoria, and contentment.
• Since opiates are painkillers, heroin can reduce or eliminate pain. It can also lead to unconsciousness.
• Negative side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, itchiness, and slowed breathing.

Heroin Harm Reduction Tips

• It is possible to overdose on heroin by itself, although most drug overdoses occur when a person is using more than one substance or using after a break. If you are using from a new bag or if you have not used in awhile, use a small test amount before using more.
• If someone stops breathing, has no pulse, or turns blue call 911 immediately or 511 on campus. Tell the operator- "someone has stopped breathing" and began artifical breathing. Because there are antidotes to opiate overdoses, when the paramedics arrive tell them exactly what the person used.
• If you suspect you or a friend has overdosed, GET HELP. Call 511 on campus or 911 off campus.
• No student seeking medical treatment for themselves or a friend for an alcohol or other drug-related overdose will be subject to University discipline for the sole violation of using or possessing alcohol or drugs. (Penn's Medical Amnesty Policy)

his information taken from Dancesafe.org and NI DA

*The Office of Health Education does not encourage or condone the use of any illegial drug.