All substances
§2.5.5 · ChemicalsIntoxicating Depressants

Heroin

Diacetylmorphine; Diamorphine

Also known as Junk · Smack · H

Acute: Extreme riskDependency: Extreme risk Test for fentanyl

Images

Quick reference

Routes
Insufflated
Form
Powder
Shulgin rating
++

Duration

Onset
10 Minutes
Total duration
6 Hours

Experience

Primary effects

  • A euphoric depressant and analgesic.
  • Causes pupil constriction; some appetite suppression noted.

Peak character

  • Sedated headspace, distant but not sleepy, relaxed and content.
  • A drifty, unengaged headspace; a feeling of physical numbness.

Negatives / side effects

  • Dry mouth, wooziness, fatigue, grogginess, and motion sickness.
  • Can cause significant dizziness, intense malaise, and vomiting, even at moderate doses.
  • Higher doses or repeated use can lead to increased nausea and vomiting.

Aftereffects / comedown

  • Increased tiredness and sleepiness; feeling unwell for several hours afterwards.

Reference dosage

Reference ranges from third-party harm-reduction databases. Individual response varies enormously — start lower than you think.

Any route
common5mg+
heavy20mg+

Reagent testing

Recommended reagents
Expected reactions
MarquisPurple → black
MeckeBlue → black
FroehdeBlue → black
MandelinBrown → black

Adulterant detection: CRITICAL: Fentanyl and its analogues are extremely common adulterants in heroin and are the leading cause of opioid overdose deaths. Colorimetric reagents confirm heroin/morphine class but CANNOT detect fentanyl at the trace doses present in contaminated supplies. Fentanyl test strips are essential.

Use BOTH colorimetric reagents (confirm opioid) AND fentanyl test strips (detect contamination). A positive fentanyl strip result means extreme caution or non-use. Naloxone must be available.

Source

Reference fields and narrative for Heroin extracted from The Drug Users Bible by Dominic Milton Trott (MxZero Publishing, 2022).

drugusersbible.com

Harm reduction notice

This platform provides educational and harm-reduction information adapted from public reference material. It does not endorse, encourage, or facilitate drug use. It is not medical advice. If you or someone near you may be in a medical emergency, contact local emergency services immediately.