TIPS FOR TEENS

THE TRUTH ABOUT HEROIN

SLANG: SMACK/HORSE/BROWN SUGAR/JUNK/
BLACK TAR/BIG H/DOPE/SKAG/NEGRA/SKUNK/
WHITE HORSE/CHINA WHITE/CHIVA/
HELL DUST/THUNDER

GET THE FACTS

HEROIN AFFECTS YOUR BRAIN. Heroin, an illicit opioid, enters the brain quickly. It slows down the way you think reaction time, and memory. Over the long term, heroin can change the brain in ways that lead to addiction.

HEROIN AFFECTS YOUR BODY. Heroin slows down your heartbeat and breathing, sometimes so much that it can be life-Threatening. Heroin poses special problems for those who inject it because of the risks of HIV, hepatitis B and C, and other diseases that can occur from sharing needles.

HEROIN IS HIGHLY ADDICTIVE. Heroin enters the brain rapidly and causes a fast, intense high. Repeated heroin use increases the risk of developing an addiction; someone addicted to heroin will continue to seek and use the drug despite negative consequences.

HEROIN IS NOT WHAT IT MAY SEEM. Other substances are sometimes added to heroin. They clog blood vessels leading to the liver, lungs, kidneys, and brain and lead to inflammation or infection. Powder sold as heroin may also contain other dangerous chemicals, such as fentanyl, that increase the risk of fatal overdose.

HEROIN CAN KILL YOU. Heroin slows—and sometimes stops—breathing, which can result in death. In 2015, there were 2,343 overdose deaths related to heroin or other illicit opioids among people ages 15 to 24.

HEROIN ADDICTION IS TREATABLE. Medication, in combination with behavioral treatment, can help people stop using heroin and recover from addiction. Building a support system that helps people stop using heroin and other opioids is also important. Medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naloxone greatly increase the chance of recovery and reduce the risk of overdose. Friends and family members should have naloxone nearby, if possible, in case of overdose.

Q. IS IT TRUE THAT HEROIN ISN’T RISKY IF YOU SNORT OR SMOKE IT INSTEAD OF INJECTING IT?

A. NO. Heroin is very dangerous regardless of how it is used. While injecting drugs carries additional risk of infectious disease, taking heroin can be dangerous in any form. You can still die from an overdose or become addicted by snorting or smoking it. Heroin may also be mixed with synthetic opioids such as Fentanyl, which can be fatal in small doses regardless of how they are taken.

Q. WHAT DOES HEROIN LOOK LIKE?

A. HEROIN CAN BE A WHITE OR DARK BROWN
POWDER OR A BLACK TAR. People selling heroin often mix in other substances, such as sugar, starch, or more dangerous chemicals. Pure heroin is dangerous as well, despite the common misperception that it is safer.

Q. WILL HEROIN USE ALTER MY BRAIN?

A. YES. Heroin use alters brain circuits that control reward, stress, decision-making, and impulse control, making it more difficult to stop using even when it is having negative effects on your life and health. Frequent use also can lead to tolerance and withdrawal, so you need more of the drug just to feel normal.

THE BOTTOM LINE:
Heroin is illegal, addictive, and dangerous. Talk to your parents, a doctor, a counselor, a teacher, or another adult you trust if you have questions.

KNOW THE SIGNS

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A FRIEND IS USING HEROIN?

Signs and symptoms of heroin use are:
• Euphoria
• Drowsiness
• Impaired mental functioning
• Slowed movement and breathing
• Needle marks
• Boils

Signs of a heroin overdose include:
• Shallow breathing
• Extremely small pupils
• Clammy skin
• Bluish-colored nails and lips
• Convulsions
• Coma

The drug naloxone can save the life of someone overdosing
on heroin. Naloxone can be administered by anyone witnessing
an overdose or by first responders.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP
SOMEONE WHO IS USING HEROIN?

BE A FRIEND. SAVE A LIFE.
Encourage your friend to stop using or seek help!
from a parent, teacher, or other caring adult.

1–800–662–HELP (1–800–662–4357)