Street names: Big H, Boy, Capital H, China white, Chiva, Dead on arrival, Diesel, Dope, Eighth, Good H, H, Hell dust, Horse, Junk, Mexican horse, Mud, Poppy, Smack, Thunder, Train, White junk

Heroin is derived from morphine, which is refined from the opium poppy grown in South Asia, Mexico and the Middle East. Historically, heroin was prescribed by physicians for a range of illnesses (eg. Laudanum [heroin mixed with alcohol] as a cure-all, and was an ingredient in a children's sore throat remedy). Heroin became illegal when medical professionals learned of its addictive nature.

How it works

Heroin is a depressant that slows breathing, heart rate and metabolism. Heroin mimics the painkilling chemical (endorphins) produced naturally in our brains, and intensifies the effect. The feeling of contentment can last between 1 and 5 hours. Heroin affects nerve cells related to motor activity so users often have a heavy feeling in their arms and legs.

Heroin withdrawal is notoriously bad and addicts will continue to use to avoid the pain. Withdrawal can begin between 6 and 12 hours after the last use, peaking at 36-70hrs, forcing addicts to continually search out the drug.

How is it used?

Heroin is either smoked, snorted or injected. Heroin can come as a powder ranging in colour from light brown to white, or in a sticky black form called 'black tar'.

Canadian Statistics

• Heroin is the 3rd most commonly injected drug by street youth in Canada.
• Less than 1% of drug charges were related to heroin in Canada.

Headlines

$1M drug seizure shocks women

POLICE: Investigators say heroin concealed in rims of dishes

February 2010

"Port Hope Acting Police Chief Emory Gilbert and RCMP Insp. Rick Penny displayed seven kilos of heroin and explained how it was concealed in a specially-made compartment under the rim of dishes."

Heroin use rises, spread feared

January 11, 2010

"A recent surge in the number of inner-city drug users injecting heroin has addiction experts worried the powerful opiate could spread on the streets of Winnipeg."

Anthrax-laced heroin kills eight in Europe: officials

January 17, 2010

"LONDON - Eight people have died of anthrax infection from using suspected contaminated heroin, European health authorities said on Saturday, and one expert advised users to stop taking the narcotic immediately."