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HEROIN
Opium is the source of all opiate drugs (heroin, codeine, morphine, etc.), and is obtained from the opium poppy plant, (Papaver somniferum). The word "papaver" is from Greek meaning "poppy", while "somniferum" is from Latin, and means "dream" or "induce sleep". Otherwise, a poppy that produces sleep. There are hundreds of species of poppy plants, but only Papaver somniferum produces opium. India remains the largest sole supplier of licit raw opium in the world market.
What can be used to "cut" heroin?
There are many substances that are used to cut heroin. Quinine, starch, powdered milk, powdered vitamins, caffeine, phenobarbital, lactose, glucose, mannitol, sucrose, and procaine are often used to dilute powdered heroin that is white in color. Coffee, chocolate milk powder, cocoa mix, and brown sugar are often used to dilute powdered heroin that is tan or brown in color.
Because of its hard texture, tar heroin can be difficult to cut. Tar heroin may be placed in an oven on low temperature to heat until it becomes soft and gummy. A cut is added and the heroin kneaded until there is a uniform consistency. Tar heroin has also been cut by placing it in a blender with the cut and the two substances mixed. Cuts added to tar heroin have included starch, molasses, cocoa mix, coffee, and brown sugar. |
What does heroin look like?
Heroin is usually seen in powder form, with color varying from white, to tan, to red, to dark brown, depending on the production methods used and any cuts that have been added. White heroin is generally considered the most refined and most potent. Like cocaine, heroin samples may also consist of a mixture of powder and chunks. The powder may be fine or granular. Mexican tar heroin may be gummy, hard, or a powder, and can vary in color from brown to black, again depending on manufacturing methods and cuts.
How is heroin usually packaged?
Heroin is generally packaged in paper bindles, glassine envelopes, and small balloons. The heroin is funneled into the bottom of the balloon that is then securely tied. The tied end containing the heroin is folded back into the mouth of the balloon for added protection. Powdered heroin is also packaged in folded aluminum foil envelopes. Due to a sticky consistency, tar heroin is normally packaged in cellophane or aluminum foil.
What are the methods of ingestion?
Despite the risk of AIDS and other infections associated with needle sharing, the most common method of ingesting both powder and tar heroin is by injecting it into a vein.
Users generally inject into the major vein of the inner elbow. The needle is inserted into the vein, and a small amount of blood may be drawn back into the syringe to verify that the vein has been penetrated. The heroin is then usually injected in a series of small strokes to prolong the initial rush.
Preparing heroin for injection into a vein first involves placing the drug in a spoon or other suitable metal container, such as the bottom of an empty aluminum can. An amount of water pre-measured in the syringe is then added to the spoon to dissolve the heroin.
When injecting into the vein is no longer possible, the addict often resorts to injecting into veins in other parts of the body, such as the legs, hands, groin, neck, and elsewhere. Although much less effective than when injected, ingesting heroin by snorting has become increasingly popular. This is usually the preferred method for casual or new users. Heroin is also smoked in a method often referred to as "chasing the dragon". This method involves the heroin being placed on aluminum foil and heated from below with a match or lighter, and the resulting fumes inhaled.
What are the physical effects associated with the use of heroin?
From the standpoint of the heroin user, heroin provides a soothing sense of relaxation and well being. The user will try to repeatedly experience the euphoria, and will soon find it very difficult to stop taking the drug. Malnutrition and crime, collapsed veins and disease typify the life style of the heroin addict.
The effects of heroin generally last about four to six hours. Listed below are several observations that may be seen in an individual under the influence of heroin.
Pinpoint pupils
Disorientation
Loss of coordination
Itchy nose and skin
Lowered sensation of pain
Lowered blood pressure
Lowered pulse and respiration rate
Constipation
Slow, slurred speech
Sweating
Injection sites (tracks) if used IV
Dry mouth
Nasal redness and/or small drug particles remaining in nostril if snorted
Drooping eyelids and the head nodding forward |
"China White" Heroin
Brown Herion
Black Tar Herion
Heroin being prepared for injection |
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