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Heroin

A.K.A: Smack, Brown, Dope, Horse

Heroin is a strong opioid drug made from the opium poppy. In New Zealand, ‘homebake heroin’ refers to heroin produced from pharmaceutical codeine or morphine.

Heroin is a depressant, meaning it slows down your brain and body functions. It can make you feel euphoric, warm, and sleepy and temporarily relieve pain. Heroin can also make you feel groggy, itchy, and nauseous and cause slowed breathing and loss of consciousness. As heroin is about 4x as strong as morphine, it carries a high risk of overdose.  

How to be safer when using heroin

  • Consider carrying the overdose reversal drug naloxone with you. If someone is overdosing from heroin, it can save their life.
  • If injecting, visit your local needle exchange for new needles and information on how to be safer.
  • Start with a lower amount and avoid taking more - especially if it's your first time or your tolerance has decreased.
  • Try to be with a sober person that knows the signs of an opioid overdose and can get help if needed.
  • Use drug checking services to make sure it isn't mixed with something else.
Read more at The Level

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