Heroin: signs that tell you something...

What is heroin

Heroin is one of a group of drugs which are derived from the Opium Poppy which are collectively know as Opiates. Other examples are Codeine and Morphine, which are commercially produced as painkillers. Heroin is derived from Morphine which is a white powder in it pure form, on the street it is more of a brown coloured powder, due to the additives added. It has been know for powdered milk, talc, curry powder, washing powder and other substances to be mixed with pure heroin to increase the volume. Synthetic (man made) opiates are called Opioids these are also produced as painkillers such as Pethidine, Methadone and Diconal.

How is heroin taken

A drug addict will often start taking heroin by smoking the drug this is commonly called "Tooting". The user will place the heroin onto silver foil and warm it up from underneath with a lighter or candle. As the heroin melts it turns into a ball of fluid, which will roll along the silver foil, leaving a trail of black residue (lines on the silver foil, see picture left). Once it gets to this stage it gives off fumes which are inhaled using a ball point pen with the centre removed or a silver foil rolled up into a tube, or a similar implement. After a short period of use addicts will find themselves doing more and more lines in a day due to more of the drug being required to have the same effect. Once this starts happening and more drugs are required the addicts find themselves spending more and more money. Often the next step is to start injecting as this will hit the spot much faster and less of the drug is required.

Injecting Heroin

Injecting heroin is like a ritual for the user. Once the heroin is purchased the preparation starts. Firstly everything will be put out on display and placed in order. The kit includes, heroin, syringe with needle, spoon, lighter or candle, cigarette filter, belt, citric acid and water. The heroin is put onto the spoon with citric acid, the right amount of water will then be mixed with the Heroin and citric acid, (the citric acid is used to breakdown the Heroin so it can be injected). At the same time the spoon is held over the heat source so all the three substances are mixed together. Once mixed, a cigarette filter will be placed onto the spoon, the solution will then be drawn up the syringe through the filter, this is to filter out any impurities. It is now ready to be injected into a vein usually in the arm. The belt or similar implement such as a shoe lace is tied tightly around the arm to stop the blood flow, this will cause the veins to stand out for read more