See Also: heroin(dictionary)
heroin(encyclopedia)
heroin(medicine)
heroin(dictionary)
Heroin(health)
heroin esterase(medicine)
heroin dependence(medicine)
Hegg Memorial Health Center Avera Health(health)
Dells Area Health Center Avera Health(health)
Divine Providence Health Center Avera Health(health)

Heroin (health)


Heroin, a highly addictive drug derived from morphine, is obtained from the opium poppy. It is a "downer" that affects the brain's pleasure systems and interferes with its ability to perceive pain. Heroin can be injected into a vein (mainlining) or a muscle; smoked through a water pipe or standard pipe; mixed in a marijuana joint or regular cigarette; inhaled as smoke through a straw (chasing the dragon) or as powder through the nose. Heroin is also known as smack, horse, brown sugar, junk, big H, and dope. It is fast-acting, especially when injected or smoked.