​​​Call 1.855.970.2547, 24/7 to speak to a treatment specialist for free. Get help finding the best treatment options available for yourself or a loved one. Rehab centers, detox centers, inpatient, outpatient programs, therapy, counseling, sober living housing and more. A 5 minute phone call is all it takes to get you the help you need. Get help now. Call: 1.855.970.2547

Most street heroin is "cut" with other drugs or substances such as sugar, starch, powdered milk, or quinine. Street heroin can also be cut with strychnine, bleach or other poisons. However, purer heroin has become more common and more available today than ever before.

​A $20 "dope bag", or single dose of heroin, may contain 50 milligrams of powdered heroin and normally comes in small balloons, baggies, pill caps or white sealed bags with an image brand stamped on the baggies.
       
Black Tar Heroin is produced primarily in Mexico. It is one of the most prevalent forms of heroin in the western United States, while also found in western Canada and Europe. Mexican heroin has a hashish-like, non- powdery consistency (though it can also appear as a dark brown or dark orange powder), which distinguishes itself from other forms of heroin.

The largest producers of heroin in general are Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Mexico and Columbia.

Heroin, also called dope, is known by many different names as well. Street Terms for Heroin are:

Antifreeze, Aries, Aunt Hazel, Balloon, Ballot, Big Bag, Big H, Big Harry, Black, Black Tar, BTH, Black pearl, Black stuff, Blanco, Bombs away, Bonita, Boy, Bozo, Brick gum, Brother, Brown, Brown crystal, Brown rhine, Brown sugar, Bundle, Butu, Caballo, Caca, Caps, Capital H, Carga, Carne, Charley, Chiba, Chicle, China cat, China white, Chinese red, Chick, Chip, Chiva, Cotics, Crap/crop, Crown crap, La Cura, the Cure, Dead on arrival, Diesel, D, Dirt, Dog food, Doggie, Doogie, doojee, dugie, doodah, Dooley, Dope, Dreck, Duji, Dyno, Dyno-pure, Eighth, Estuffa, Ferry dust, Galloping horse, Gamot, Gato, Gear, George smack, Glacines, Golden girl, Golpe, Goma, Good and plenty, Good H, H, H Caps, Hache (H), Hairy, Hard candy, Hard stuff, Harry, Harry Jones, Hazel, Heavy Stuff, Heaven dust, Harowin, Helen, Hell dust, Henry, Hero, Heroin, Heroina, Herone, Heron, Hessle, Him, Hombre, Horse, Hot dope, Hot heroin, HRN, Hulk, Isda, Jee gee, Jive, Jive doo jee, Jojee, Jones, Joy flakes, Junk, Judas, Kabayo, Karachi, Load, Manteca, Material, Matsakow, Mexican horse, Mexican mud, Mexican black, Mister Brownstone, Morotgara, Mud, Muzzle, Nanoo, New Jack Swing, Nice and easy, Nickel deck, Noise, Nose, Number 4, Number 8, Ogoy, Old Steve, Opium, OP, P-dope, Pangonadalot, Peg, Perfect High, Pizza, Poison, Polvo, Poppy, Powder, Pulborn, Pure, Rainbows, Rambo, Red chicken, Red eagle, Reindeer dust, Rhine, Sack, Salt, Scag, Scat, Scate, Scott Schmack, Smack, Schmeck, Skid, Sleeper, Slime, Spider blue, Stamps, Stuff, Sweet Jesus, Tar, Taste, Tecate, The beast, The witch, Tic, Tootsie roll, Thunder, Train, White, White junk, White boy, White horse, White nurse, White lady, White stuff, Witch hazel and most likely many more.
​

​When snorting/sniffing heroin, the user will normally empty the entire $20 heroin bag on a small flat surface, CD cover, mirror, or in a dollar bill. Then they'll form a line or pile with the heroin and snort it with a rolled up dollar bill, straw or take small passes with a key. If there is no paraphernalia available at the moment, the user may empty the bag on his fist near the beginning of the thumb and then lean in, close the other nostril and snort it all up at once.

The user will then snort hard to take down every last bit of heroin within her nostrils as if she was trying to swallow her own mucus. So when you hear someone snorting/sniffing that hard as if they wanted to swallow their own mucus, then chances are, they're making sure all of the heroin goes down their throat, or they're snorting cocaine, or they're just simply gross and don’t mind the taste of swallowing their own mucus. And of course, the individual may have a cold and have some flem stuck in their throat and be sick as well. The former statement is in relation to drug use and snorting heroin.​

When snorting heroin, peak high comes within 4-7 minutes of snorting the heroin powder and then peace and sedation begins while all of their problems seem to vanish away. Most users who snort heroin later graduate to shooting up because as their bodies become conditioned to the heroin, the high and effects it produces become less intense. Furthermore, snorting heroin does not give the user that ultimate “heroin rush” which comes from shooting up. And as a result, they then turn to injecting heroin- a more efficient means of administering the drug to try to achieve the ultimate high. And once they do shoot up, then they never go back to snorting or smoking heroin as neither will satisfy to the degree of shooting up. The result is a graduated heroin addict who went from snorting or smoking heroin to shooting dope and is now on his way to becoming a junkie.
​

​Inhaling/smoking heroin, also known as "Chasing the Dragon" is another method that is being used more and more today, especially by our younger generation. The availability of high-purity heroin, the spread of HIV infection amongst shooters, and the negative stereotype of shooters, also known as junkies, prompt many new users to limit themselves to inhaling/smoking or chasing the dragon.

​However, injecting heroin continues to be the method most used for heroin use among addicted users seeking treatment; yet researchers have also observed a shift in heroin use patterns, from injecting to snorting and smoking. In fact, snorting heroin is now a widely reported means of taking heroin among users admitted for drug treatment. It's the cleanest, easiest and fastest way to do heroin without paraphernalia, making it that much easier for the user to get high no matter where they are.

With the shift in heroin abuse patterns comes an even more diverse group of users. Older users (over 30) continue to be one of the largest user groups, and the older they are, then the harder it becomes for them to quit. Furthermore, now there’s been an increase in new, young users across the globe who are being lured by inexpensive, high-purity heroin that can be snorted or smoked instead of being injected. Even the most prettiest girls are being pulled and enslaved by this heroin demon. Heroin has been appearing in more upscale, high class communities as well. It's made its way into the homes of good wealthy families and turns good kids into junkies. And as long as these kids keep getting money, then most likely, they’ll continue to use.

A painful and almost deadly struggle is the only way out from here - that is, if they manage to make it out of this thing alive. There must be a struggle in one form or another if they’re ever going to make it. The only other way out is death.

Injecting, in addition to producing an unspeakable "high", is a more economical method of administering the drug. In other words, they'll get more “high” for their dollar. By injecting the heroin, rather than smoking or snorting it, more intense highs are achieved with less heroin along with a bonus “rush”. Addicts look forward to this heroin rush each and every day. Users who choose this method generally inject directly into a major vein on their arm and/or other areas on their body, although some may start by injecting under the skin (popping). Either way, injecting is rock bottom for the heroin user. And after they reach this point, they’ll do whatever it takes to get high.

Injecting requires the use of a syringe to inject the heroin directly into the bloodstream. Typically, a heroin addict may inject up to four times a day or more. Shooting up provides the greatest high and most rapid onset of euphoria, usually within 7 to 8 seconds. However, shooting up is a process which also takes time. When preparing to inject heroin the user will tear a small piece of cotton from the tip of a q-tip or from the filter of his cigarette and roll it up into a little ball. He'll then empty the $20 heroin bag into a spoon. Using the syringe that he probably obtained from a diabetic, he’ll squirt a dab of water (50-70 units) into the spoon.

Then he’ll pass a burning lighter under the spoon to dissolve the heroin into the water. He puts the cotton ball into the spoon and stirs the new heroin solution with the needle. He’ll then extract the solution up into the syringe with the cotton ball at the tip of the syringe. The cotton is necessary to filter out any particles or germs from the heroin solution and may be saved for later use as well. The user then carefully and sparingly squirts out a few tiny droplets of the heroin solution from within the syringe in order to remove air bubbles from the solution. It's quite possible that the user can die if those air bubbles manage to make their way into the bloodstream.

He or she will then place the needle flat on the bend of their arm in order to keep the needle still. The user inserts the needle into the vein, then slowly pulls blood from the vein back into the syringe mixing it with the heroin solution and then slowly injects the entire solution, blood and heroin, back into the vein. Within 7 to 8 seconds the heroin reaches the brain and binds to the natural opioid receptors which causes the user to experience the greatest high of their life.

They reach the peak of peace and pure euphoria. A wonderful warmth takes over your body. Your head is still there but your brain falls back along with your soul. The user then reaches a half conscious state called nodding where their head keeps dropping. Sedation is achieved. Drowsiness, grogginess, and the ultimate high is the end result. At the same time, their body is instantly healed from the most painful withdrawals in the world. All withdrawal symptoms disappear within seconds. They are now 100% completely healed and off to wonderland. All of their problems are gone. Nothing else exist - not even you.

Soon after injection, heroin crosses the blood-brain barrier. In the brain, heroin is quickly converted to morphine and binds to opioid receptors within seconds. Injecting heroin is so addictive because it enters the brain so quickly and relieves bone-crushing pains instantly. Sometimes, especially with new users, the rush is accompanied by dry mouth, and a heavy feeling, which may be followed by nausea, vomiting, and severe itching. This is why you'll see users scratching their heads and faces to relieve the itching. After the initial effects of the high, users will remain drowsy for several hours. Mental function is clouded by heroin’s effect upon the central nervous system. Their heart rate slows down tremendously. Breathing is also severely depressed, sometimes to the point of death.

Heroin overdose, OD, more than ever before, is a serious risk on the street, where the amount and purity of the drug cannot be precisely known. And fatalities from heroin overdoses are rising more and more each year. Although the initial rush fades within minutes, the sense of contentment and physical relaxation of the heroin "high" generally last one to two hours long. The heroin high is known as "the ultimate high" and sooner or later, becomes the main goal for all heroin users.
​

​Heroin abuse is associated with serious health conditions, including fatal overdose, spontaneous abortion, and in users who inject the drug - infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Sharing a needle just 1 time with the wrong person can bring death. ​Serious heroin users may develop collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, and liver or kidney disease.

If an addict reduces or stops use of the drug abruptly, he or she will experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

These symptoms, which can begin as early as several hours after their last hit, will include restlessness, back pain, muscle and excruciating bone pains, insomnia, diarrhea and vomiting, ice chilling cold flashes with goose bumps, and leg kicking movements. Living without it becomes impossible. They'll feel as if they're actually going to go crazy and die.​​ Users experience severe craving for the drug during withdrawal, which can cause continued use and/or relapse rather quickly. Without the heroin in their system they truly feel that they’re going to die from the pain and agony of withdrawal.

Major withdrawal symptoms peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose was administered and typically decrease after about 1-2 weeks. Some individuals in poor health may show persistent withdrawal symptoms for months. Sudden withdrawal by heavily dependent users who are poor in health is rarely fatal. However, continual vomiting from withdrawals can put a serious strain on the esophagus, even to the point of tearing. The craving for heroin can persist for months, and even up to a year after the user has quit, especially upon exposure to triggers such as stress or people, places and other aspects associated with drug use. This is why, in order to quit heroin and stay clean for good - total separation is a must!
​

Heroin addiction during pregnancy, together with related factors like poor nutrition and inadequate prenatal care, has been associated with adverse consequences for the baby including low birth weight, which is an important risk factor for later developmental delay. If the mother is regularly taking heroin, the infant may be born physically dependent on heroin and could suffer from serious medical complications requiring hospitalization. Pregnant women addicted to heroin should always seek the help and consultation from a physician right away.

Typical behavior of a heroin user
Heroin can turn good people into monsters. The behavioral impact of habitual heroin use is generally devastating. Most users are incapable of concentration, learning or clear thought. It's a miracle that they're able to read my website at all. Rarely are they able to hold down jobs unless they learn how to become functioning addicts, in which the user works a normal job to support themselves and their daily heroin habit while living a fairly organized yet secretive life.

Functioning addicts are the hardest to spot, while typical addicts are unconcerned, unresponsive to consequences and unable to sustain personal relationships other than those with their dope-friends. For many addicts, the inability to earn enough money to support their habit by normal means, eventually, leads to crime and even prostitution. Heroin turns most users into liars, thieves and Hollywood actors. For the overwhelming majority, guilt and remorse fades away and compulsive use prompts behavior that is reckless, ruthless and totally irresponsible. A typical addict is often antisocial as well, and simply becomes numb to the pain or loss it causes for others as well as themselves.
​

Over 22 million individuals have a substance dependence problem in the US. 14 percent of admissions to publicly funded drug abuse programs were for heroin treatment.

Approximately 3.5 million Americans aged 12 or older reported trying heroin at least once during their lifetimes. (ONDCP)

According to Drug Abuse Warning Network, (DAWN), heroin and morphine accounted for 51% of drug deaths ruled accidental or unexpected.

Of an estimated 108 million emergency department (ED) visits in the U.S., the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) estimates that 1,449,154 were drug-related. DAWN data indicates that heroin was involved in 164,572 ED visits.

The heroin addict spends anywhere from $20 to $500 per day to maintain their heroin addiction. All of these statistics become much more higher day by day and will increase rapidly as time goes on. Heroin use, addiction and overdose are on the rise. And it's not going to get any better; in fact, it's going to get worse as time goes on. Yet only 1% of heroin addicts manage to quit heroin, stay clean and turn their lives around. 1%!

Can heroin addiction really be conquered?

Yes it can, if the heroin addict themselves truly want to quit or has a life changing reason to do so. And if they really want it, then they can do it, no matter what it takes to do so. Please explore this website for additional information on heroin, heroin addiction and quitting heroin once and for all. Because if I can do it, then you or your loved ones can do it too! Whatever you do, don't give up by any means and don't lose hope. Keep pressing on and keep moving forward!
​

Haven’t touched heroin in over 20 years, and over 9 years clean from coke, crack, weed, ecstasy, benzos, alcohol and cigs. And if there’s one thing I learned in life is that people can change. Addicts can change. 20 years ago I used to shoot dope and steal cars for a living to support my habit. Today, I won't lie, cheat or steal no matter what, even if I'm starving and dying of thirst. No matter what we’ve done in the past, we can change. If we really want it, then we can do it.

So the next time you look in the mirror or see an addict on the street, please remember, you can change, they can change. We can change. Never go by what a person has done in the past, or what they do now. They can change. It’s what’s in your heart that matters the most. And if a person like me can change, then believe me, you can change too. Your loved ones can change too. People can change. It’s important to quit drugs, but it’s also important to become a better person – a kind, loving, honest person. Wish nothing but the best for every single one of you.​

​Sincerely,
Jorge (George) Fernandez 
Over 20 Years Clean from Heroin 
About Jorge (George) Fernandez
Contact Jorge (George) Fernandez
P.S. Feel free to add me on Facebook

If you feel that my website has helped you and you'd like to show your appreciation and support me on my mission to help people quit heroin, stay clean and turn their lives around then please feel free to make a donation below. I'm very grateful for your support. Being supported by you allows me to dedicate my time to helping people quit heroin and change their lives.  To make a donation via PayPal or credit card, please click on the Donate button below. Thank you for your support. I appreciate it.
​