Knowing about drugs - Heroin
Other names
Smack, brown, horse, gear, junk, H, jack, scag.
What it looks like and how it's taken
Brownish-white powder which is smoked, snorted or dissolved and injected.
The effects
Small doses give the user a sense of warmth and wellbeing. Larger doses can make them feel drowsy and relaxed.
The health risks
Heroin is addictive (even when smoked). Users who form a habit may end up taking the drug just to feel normal. Excessive amounts can result in overdose, coma and death.
Legal status
Class A.
More help and advice
- Spot the signs of teen drug use
- Talking about sex
- Aerosol abuse and what to look for
- Could your child be drinking? What should you do?
- 10 ways alcohol can affect your child
- Talk to your teens
