Heroin
By: Daayem Ali & Talha Kahloan
Drug Description
Heroin is a highly addictive drug that comes from morphine, which can be injected or smoked. It acts like a painkiller and stimulates your brain so you feel more happy and excited. This drug comes from the opium poppy flower, the “sap” is extracted from the flower and ends up becoming the drug. This drug can be snorted, inhaled and injected into your body.
(Tasian, 2016,1)
Other Names/ Street Names for Heroin
Other names for Heroin include;
-Dope
-Brown Crystal
-Mexican Mud
-White
-Scag
-Brown Sugar
-Tar
Legal Status & Consequences
Like most drugs, it is illegal to buy, sell or use heroin in Canada.
If caught in possession with Heroin you could be sent to jail for 6 months to 1 year with up to $2000 fine. The maximum penalty is 7 years.
If caught importing/exporting or producing heroin: life imprisonment.
Statistics in Canada
Heroin is not a problem for teens in Canada, the statistics for heroin usage is very low for teens. Less then 1% of all the drug charges in Canada involved heroin. (Canadian Statistics, 2015, 1)This percent includes all ages, the percent for teens is unknown, but if it is 1% for all ages, the portion of teens using this drug must be low. Heroin is also the 3rd most used drug for teens in Canada, ranging from ages 13 to 19 years old. (Canadian Statistics, 2015, 1)This statistic is only including drugs that are injected into your body.
Long Term Effects of Heroin
-Bad teeth
-Constipation
-Itching
-Coma
-Depression
Short Term Effects of Heroin
-Skin flushing
-Dry mouth
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Intense itching
-Slow breathing
Signs of Addiction/ Resources for Help
-Drowsiness
-Change in behavior
-Needle marks
Resources For Help:
-Rehab treatment
-Moral support
-Peer guidance/advice