Heroin
By: Atiah Morrison
What is heroin?
Description
Liquid
White Powder
Black Tar
Short Term Effects
· Skin flushing
· Dry mouth
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Intense itching
· Drowsiness
· Slow cardiac system function
· Slow breathing
· Convulsions (especially in cases of overdose)
Long Term Effects
· Emotional instability
· Impaired night vision due to constrained pupils
· Diminished libido
· Menstrual irregularities
· Joint and muscle problems, including arthritis
Increase risks of
· Collapsed veins
· Hepatitis B and HIV infection
· Bacterial infections of the heart lining (endocarditis)
· Liver and kidney disease
The ways Heroin can be used
- Injected
- Snorted
- Smoked
This may differ depending on the purity of the drug , or the preference of the user .
Heroin Legality
· Heroin is considered a Schedule I drug, as well as
morphine, codeine, cocaine and methamphetamine.
· Possession of heroin is a criminal offense. The charge can be summary offense, which is seen as less serious and carries a lesser penalty.
· A summary conviction for possession of heroin has a penalty of up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
· A subsequent conviction means the penalties double to up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.
Help lines
www.drugandalcoholhelpline.ca/
www.recovery.org/topics/addiction-recovery-helplines/