Heroin (also known as smack, h, ska and junk) is a semi synthetic drug synthesized from morphine (a derivative of the opium poppy). The drug usually appears as a white or brown powder or as a black sticky substance. It is usually injected, snorted or smoked.
Heroin abuse can cause serious health conditions, particularly that of infectious diseases including HIV, AIDS and hepatitis. Heavy users may experience collapsed veins, infected heart lining and valves, abscesses and liver or kidney disease. Another particular issue is that street heroin often contains contaminants which clog blood vessels around the body causing permanent damage to vital organs.