Member Drugs: (Brand Names) [Street Names]
- Heroin [Horse, Junk, Smack, Snow, "H", Brown, Black]
- Morphine
- Codeine (OxyContin, Tylenol with Codeine)
- Methadone, LAAM
What The Drugs Looks Like:
- Heroin comes in the form of a white or brown crystalline substance that can be powdered.
- Commercial opioid medications come in pill and liquid forms.
Most Typical Routes Of Administration:
- Nose (snorting powered form)
- Lungs (inhaling pipe smoke)
- Mouth (swallowing pills)
- IV (injection into a vein)
What These Drugs Do (Symptoms Typical Of Intoxication):
- Short term effects:
- The intense "rush" which most abusers prefer is obtained from intravenous injection
- Feeling of well being, euphoria, relaxation, drowsiness and mental confusion
- Higher doses and overdose can cause: sleep; very low blood pressure, slowed heart rate and respiration; low body temperature; muscle constriction; cold clammy skin; cyanosis (not enough oxygen in the bloodstream); coma and death.
- Physical as well as emotional responses to pain are numbed
- Apathy and an inability to concentrate,
- Nausea, vomiting, sweating, chills
- Slowed pulse, rate of breathing and lowered blood pressure
- Long term effects:
- Chronic constipation
- Impaired vision
- Mood swings and instability
- As tolerance develops, the user can no longer get the pleasurable effects, but must continue taking the drug to prevent withdrawal.
Pattern of Withdrawal Symptoms:
Symptoms last 10-14 days or even longer
- Chills and hot flashes
- Sweating
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Dilated pupils
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Yawning fits
- Diarrhea
- Panic attacks
- Bone aches
- Muscle aches
- Lethargy
Most Significant Problems:
- High possibility of a potentially fatal overdose
- Addictive with strong, painful withdrawal symptoms
- May possibly contribute to depression or anxiety
How Tested For:
- Blood Test (remains positive for approx. 2 days after last dose)
