Heroin comes in many forms, pure heroin is a white powder with a bitter taste. It can vary in color from white to dark brown, depending on the amount of impurities left in the manufacture. Another form of heroin known as "black tar" is also becoming more available and deadly. It may be sticky like roofing tar or hard like coal.
What are the physical risks associated with using any amount of heroin?
Sleepiness, slow, shallow breathing, loss of appetite, constipation and loss of sexual desire.
Vomiting and feeling faint.
Increasing need, the user needs more and more heroin to feel the same effects.
Trouble keeping a job, spending all your money on heroin, neglect family and friends, loss of concern for health and safety.
What are the psychological risks?
Getting the next fix becomes more important than anything else in life.
Violent, erratic or paranoid behavior.
For many users, everyday is a struggle to get heroin. They may have forgotten what it is like without it.
For Poisoning Emergencies Call 1-800-222-1222 V/TTY
