Heroin
OpioidsAlso known as: Smack, H, Junk, Brown, Horse, Skag, Gear
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All content is written, edited, and medically reviewed by licensed professionals with expertise in addiction medicine and behavioral health.
Benjamin Zohar
NCACIP
Nationally Certified Advanced Clinical Intervention Professional and recovery advocate in long-term recovery, specializing in intervention services and treatment coordination.
Ezra Zohar, M.S.Ed.
Educational Specialist
Educational Specialist with M.S. in Secondary Education, reviewing educational content focused on addiction awareness and recovery.
Brandon McNally
RN
Registered Nurse with specialized training in addiction medicine and behavioral health nursing.
Last Updated
November 2025
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Call Helpline: (914) 594-5851What is Heroin?
Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine. It can be injected, snorted, or smoked. Heroin binds to opioid receptors in the brain, producing intense euphoria and pain relief. It is one of the most addictive substances known.
Effects
Intense euphoria (rush), warm flushing of skin, dry mouth, heavy feeling in extremities, nausea, vomiting, severe itching, clouded mental functioning, drowsiness, slowed breathing and heart rate
Risks & Dangers
Fatal overdose, collapsed veins, infectious diseases (HIV, hepatitis), liver/kidney disease, lung complications, addiction, tolerance requiring higher doses, risk of death from respiratory depression
Withdrawal Symptoms
Severe muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, uncontrollable leg movements, intense cravings. Withdrawal can be life-threatening without medical supervision.
Addiction Potential
Extremely High - Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs. Physical dependence develops rapidly with regular use.
Duration
Effects typically last 3-5 hours depending on method of use and tolerance
Legal Status
Schedule I controlled substance in the US. Illegal to possess, manufacture, or distribute.
Alcohol Interaction Warning
Mixing Heroin with alcohol can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Combining substances increases the risk of:
- • Respiratory depression and overdose
- • Unpredictable effects and loss of consciousness
- • Increased toxicity to liver and other organs
- • Impaired judgment leading to risky behaviors
Learn more about alcohol use disorder and polysubstance use.
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Published: July 15, 2024 • Last Updated: November 25, 2025
Medically reviewed drug information for educational purposes
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