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Heroin

Heroin is a powerful opioid drug that affects the reward system and breathing. Use can quickly lead to dependence, overdose and serious harm, especially when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines or other depressant substances. Help is available and treatment works. Call 912 immediately for signs of overdose. Only use naloxone if it is available, is intended for you or you know how to give it safely.

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  • Heroin is a powerful opioid drug. It can quickly lead to dependence and an overdose in which breathing becomes too slow or stops.
  • Its contents and strength are often unpredictable. The same behaviour can therefore have a much more dangerous outcome on another occasion.
  • Combining it with alcohol, sleeping tablets, sedatives or other opioids greatly increases the risk.
  • Withdrawal symptoms are severe, but effective help is available. Treatment is not only for people who 'can no longer cope at all'; seeking help early is sensible.
  • For a suspected overdose, call Ambulance 912 immediately. Naloxone may help if it is available and someone knows how to use it safely.

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Further reading

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Recreational drugsDrugs affect the brain and body. Effects, risks and duration are unpredictable because of the substance, strength, combinations, health and contamination. This article covers prevention, recognising problems and first aid without instructions for use. Call Ambulance 912 for inability to wake someone, slow breathing, a seizure, chest pain, extreme overheating or other life-threatening signs after drug use.
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AlcoholAlcohol use becomes a problem when you lose control or it harms your health, work or relationships. Treatment and support are available.
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TranquillisersTranquillisers can provide temporary calm, but also cause drowsiness, falls, dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Never abruptly stop medicines you use regularly. Alcohol, driving, pregnancy and combinations with other depressant medicines need extra caution.