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.

Caution

Overseas, particularly in North America, heroin is commonly laced with the powerful and dangerous opioid, fentanyl. This has resulted in over 100,000 deaths over the past several years. While New Zealand doesn’t currently have an opioid epidemic, it is still recommended that people using heroin consider fentanyl testing their drugs before using.

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.

Overdose deaths remain unacceptably high as stimulant harms increase

21 Oct 2026

New Zealand is losing three people a week to preventable overdose, while hospitalisations from stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine are increasing alongside a recent surge in consumption.

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