10 Things Everyone Should Know About Heroin

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Heroin is used by over 700,000 Americans nationwide, and is often far less costly and easier to obtain than prescription painkillers. Although heroin overdoses have declined dramatically since 2023, the Centers for Disease Control reported that in 2023, heroin was responsible for approximately 5% of all opioid related overdose deaths.  Knowing more about heroin and its effects on the human body can help you or your loved one avoid this dangerous drug and the risk for addiction and overdose.

If you are struggling with heroin or opioid addiction, understand that it’s never too late to get help. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to learn more about addiction treatment centers that can help you overcome physical dependency and addiction to opioids.

Here are 10 interesting facts everyone should know about heroin that can help raise awareness about this deadly drug.

1. It Causes Deep Sedation

Nausea and insomnia are common side effects of heroin abuse.

Unlike drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine that bring on feelings of aggression and excitement, heroin and other opioids bring on deep sedation. Those who enter a deep sedative state are at higher risk for overdose and death, especially when users cannot be roused from sleep.

2. It Causes Severe Itching

Severe itching is a common side effect of heroin use. This is because when used, it can cause a release of histamines in some people, causing skin irritation and itchiness. Severe itching can lead to broken skin and open sores, increasing an individual’s risk of infection. 

3. It Causes Addiction in Babies

Pregnant women who use heroin often give birth to babies who are physically addicted to the drug. These newborns go on to experience physical withdrawal symptoms following birth, such as fever, extreme irritability, vomiting and the inability to gain weight.

4. It Causes High Tolerance

Regular heroin users will often develop a tolerance to the drug and require larger doses to achieve the same level of euphoria. This can lead to addiction and increase the risk of an overdose.

5. It Can Be Used in Several Different Ways

Heroin is primarily snorted, injected or smoked. All three methods produce near-instant effects, which is a primary driver of why the drug is highly addictive.

6. It Causes Severe Health Problems

Heroin causes several short- and long-term health effects that can negatively impact one’s overall quality of life. Potential health problems that can be triggered by heroin use include:

• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Sexual dysfunction
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Depressed respiration
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Collapsed veins
• Bacterial infection
• Arthritis
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Coma

7. It Has Many Street Names

Heroin goes by many names on the street, including “H” and “horse.” In urban markets, heroin is often referred to using brand names such as “Gucci,” while in other areas, heroin is named after items it resembles, such as “brown sugar.” Other common names for heroin include the following:

• Smack
• White horse
• Junk
• Chiva
• Train
• Thunder

8. It Comes in Three Different Colors

Heroin is generally available as white or brown powder or in black tar form. White heroin is rare in the U.S. and is often mixed with dangerous fillers and contaminants not meant for human consumption. Black tar heroin is made using an industrial process and also contains harmful contaminants.

9. It’s Often Mixed With Deadly, Potent Opioids

Today’s street heroin is frequently mixed with synthetic opioids that are far easier to obtain and less costly than heroin, such as fentanyl and carfentanil. Unfortunately, these opioids are highly potent and dangerous and can cause an overdose or death with just one use.

10. Heroin Addiction Can Be Treated With Medication

Those who suffer from heroin addiction can successfully overcome physical dependency on the drug using one or more medications prescribed at detox and rehab centers. Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone can reduce drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and help addicts recover with less pain and discomfort.

If you or someone you care about is addicted to heroin or another opioid, call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-934-1582(Sponsored) . Our caring treatment specialists will connect you with rehab centers that can guide you or your loved one to improved health and sobriety from heroin.

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