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Heroin
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Heroin

Also known as: smack, skag, gear, h, hammer, dragon, junk.

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What is heroin?
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What is heroin? 

Heroin is an illicit opioid that acts as a powerful painkiller when injected or smoked. Other drugs in the opioid class include opium, morphine and codeine, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl and oxycodone.

All opioids work on the brain’s pain receptors and slow down the messages between your brain and body via the central nervous system, affecting vital functions like breathing and heart rate – resulting in a sleepy or calm feeling.

Immediate effects

  • Intense pleasure
  • Pain relief
  • Decreased appetite
  • Slower breathing
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Falling asleep (known as ’going on the nod’)

Long-term effects

  • Dependence
  • Loss of sex drive
  • Constipation
  • Tooth decay
  • Mental health issues (including depression)
  • Irregular periods and difficulty having children
  • Collapsed veins (when injecting)
  • Risk of HIV, hepatitis or other blood-borne viruses (when injecting)

How to reduce harm

  • Carry naloxone and encourage family and friends to do the same
  • Avoid mixing with other depressant drugs to reduce the risk of overdose
  • Only use around people you trust and somewhere you feel safe
  • Always use clean needles and never share equipment (if injecting)
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How it works with other drugs
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How it works with other drugs

Heroin depresses the central nervous system, lowering your heart rate and slowing your breathing. This means taking it in high doses and/or with other depressants (such as alcohol or benzodiazepines) can be

very dangerous and even deadly, as your heart and breathing could stop. Mixing heroin with depressants also greatly increases the risk of overdose.

Physical risks

There is a high risk of overdose when injecting heroin as large amounts of the drug are entering the bloodstream immediately. If you inject heroin, you risk damaging your veins, blocking blood vessels and blood poisoning. You also increase your risk of contracting:

  • Hepatitis C
  • Hepatitis B
  • Tetanus
  • HIV/Aids Free Hepatitis C tests are available free from bulk billing doctors to Medicare card holders.

Legal risks

Heroin is an illegal substance. If you are found in possession of heroin, you could be arrested or charged with a criminal offence

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Treatment and support services
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Treatment and support services

Counselling Online offers free, confidential 24/7 access to trained counsellors who can help you work through your goals and identify services to support you in your area. Have a chat to one of our counsellors if you’re not sure where you’d like to get started. 

For further assistance, check out these services:

If you’re looking for more information about other illicit or prescription drugs, visit the Australian Drug Foundation’s Drug Facts, a comprehensive and straight-forward guide.

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What can I do next?
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What can I do next?

  • Take a self-assessment to help you decide if you should consider seeking help. 
  • Get support from others who have been where you are now, in our community forums.
  • Try out some of our tips for making a change — they're simple and suitable no matter your stage in your journey.