Opiates is a term that refers to drugs which are derived from the opium poppy, and have the effect of relieving pain. Similar drugs which have the same analgesic effect are produced synthetically in laboratories and are known as opoids, (these include methadone, pethidine, palfium and diconal amongst others.)

Heroin is the most widely abused of the opiates (which also include opium and morphine). Pharmaceutical or medical heroin is known as diamorphine. Medically it is used as in pain relief because no analgesic is as strong or as effective.

Illicit heroin comes from all over, including Pakistan, India, the Far East etc. It is usually a white or brown powder that is sold in bags or wraps and can cost £30 plus for half a gram.

Bought on the street heroin is usually impure, having been mixed with whatever it looks like, for example pepper, talcum powder, laxatives, chalk etc.

How is heroin used?
Heroin can be sniffed but is more commonly smoked (referred to as chasing the dragon) or injected. Injecting is the most dangerous form of administration because not only does the user run the risk of becoming infected with HIV, Hepatitis B or C if injecting equipment is shared, but all the impurities in the powder can seriously damage and even block the veins.

What are the effects?
Using heroin cushions the users from reality. Users report feeling as though they have no worries. They feel a sense of well being, contentment, happiness and drowsiness. All of this may make you think that heroin is a good option. However, regardless of how you administer heroin, you could experience chronic constipation, menstrual difficulties, lung disease or possible overdose ( as you are never sure of how pure the heroin is) .

After a short while tolerance is likely to decrease as the body gets used to the repeated presence the a drug and higher doses are needed to get the same effect. Initially users may feel nauseous.

Special caution for women
Not only does heroin upset your menstrual cycle but if you are pregnant and suddenly stop using, you can run the risk of killing the foetus.

Overdose
The absence of any drug will mean that your body gets used to being without it, so not using for a while and then going back to using the same amount could result in overdose.

Withdrawal
Abstinence from prolonged use will result in very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms The user of heroin becomes both psychologically and physically dependent on the drug, to the extent that it becomes the focus of their life. As tolerance builds up quickly the user needs more to stop the onset of withdrawals, so there are financial implications.

Withdrawals vary but the onset is usually 8-10 hours after your last ‘fix’.

Psychologically
Depression, loss of self worth and general weakness for several months.

Physically
Aches, tremors, diarrhoea, cramps, sweats and chills, muscular spasms and insomnia may be experienced. These can last for 7-10 days.

Heroin is a class A drug so for possession you could go to jail for up to 7 years and for supply you can get life.

Heroin does not kill more people in the UK than any other drug