Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • Drugs & Paraphernalia
  • Research
    • Data
    • Journal Articles
  • Publications
    • DEA Publications
    • Non-DEA Publications
  • Resources
    • Federal & National
    • State & Local
    • Practitioner's Toolbox
    • Red Ribbon Week
    • Webinars
    • Podcasts
    • Views From the Field
  • Upcoming Events
  • The Student Center
  • Search
  • Menu
Home
CDP twitter CDP facebook CDP instagram CDP linkedin CDP youtube
#deacampus CDP search Sign up for Updates CDP search
  • Menu

CDP: Main Navigation

  • Drugs & Paraphernalia
  • Research
  • Publications
  • Resources
  • Upcoming Events
  • The Student Center
  • Search
  • Menu

Heroin

Image

Heroin

What is it?

An opiate (narcotic) drug processed from morphine and extracted from certain poppy plants. Heroin comes in a white or brownish powder, or a black sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.” Often “cut” with other drugs or substances such as sugar or powdered milk. User is unaware how much actual heroin is being used, creating likelihood of overdose.

Street Names

Big H, Black Tar, Chiva, Hell Dust, Horse, Negra, Smack, Thunder


How is it used?

Injected, smoked, or sniffed/snorted. High purity heroin is usually snorted or smoked.

Paraphernalia

Image

Cooking heroin on spoon

Small spoon

Image

Needle

Needle

Image

Rolled up dollar bill used as straw

Straw or tube

Image

Pipe

Pipe

How does it affect the body?

  • Highly addictive.
  • Initial surge of euphoria or “rush,” followed by a twilight state of sleep and wakefulness
  • Physical symptoms of use include: drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea, a warm flushing of the skin, dry mouth, and heavy extremities.
  • Overdose symptoms: slow and shallow breathing, blue lips and fingernails, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and possible death.

ACCESS THE HEROIN DRUG FACT SHEET


  • About this site
    • Contact Us
    • Feedback
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
  • Useful links
    • Drugs & Paraphernalia
    • Find Help
    • Get Smart About Drugs
    • Just Think Twice
  • About DEA
    • Accessibility
    • DEA: Who We Are
    • FOIA
    • Legal Policies and Disclaimers
    • U.S. Department of Justice
    • U.S. Department of Justice EEO Policy
    • U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
    • USA.gov
Home
This is a United States Government, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) website. The inclusion of a link on this website does not constitute an official endorsement, guarantee, or approval by DEA.