Heroin

Similar term(s): skag, smack.

Definition:

Pain-killing drug made from the chemical morphine, which is extracted from the dried latex of the opium poppy. Heroin is extremely fast acting, and within a few seconds a small dose will give the user an instant feeling of well-being. Much larger doses can make users relaxed and drowsy.

Pure heroin is a white powder, but street heroin comes as a brownish-white powder that can be smoked, snorted or dissolved and injected.

Source: GreenFacts, based on bbc.co.uk A to Z of Drugs 

More:

Effects of prolonged use include long-term changes in certain brain receptors, and changes in learning and in the response to stress.

Source: GreenFacts Digest

Translation(s):

Español: Heroína
Français: Héroïne
Nederlands: Heroïne

Related publications: