Other names
Smack, Brown, Horse, Gear, Junk, H, Jack, Scag
What is looks like & how it is 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 drowsy and relaxed
Heroin slows down body functioning and stops psychological pain
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 overdoes, coma and in some cases death
Injecting can damage veins
Sharing injecting equipment puts users at risk of dangerous infections like hepatitis B or C and HIV or Aids
Legal Status
Class A
Penalties
Possession: 7 years and a fine Supply: Life imprisonment and a fine