Heroin Street Names, Slang, & Nicknames

4. Daytime and Evening – Slang for Heroin Use

“Daytime” and “evening” are heroin slang terms that commonly refer to different stages of heroin use.

“Daytime” generally refers to using the drug during the day to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms or maintain a “normal” functioning level. For some individuals, daytime use may be a way to maintain their heroin addiction while still being able to carry out daily activities such as school or work.

“Evening” generally refers to using the drug in the evening, usually for recreational purposes. Some individuals may use the drug in the evening to relax or unwind after a long day, while others may use it to escape from emotional pain or problems.

5. Channel Swimmer – Slang for Heroin Use

“Channel swimmer” is slang for heroin use that refers to an individual who injects heroin directly into a vein using a needle. This heroin slang term may be used because injecting the drug can often feel like swimming through a strong current or “channel” of sensations.

Injecting the drug directly into a vein can increase the intensity of heroin’s effects, as it permits the drug to enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain quickly. Nevertheless, injecting heroin also carries a high risk of overdose and other severe health risks such as damage to veins and other organs and infections.

6. Paperboy – Slang for Heroin Use

“Paperboy” is a heroin slang term that refers to someone who delivers heroin or other drugs to customers. This heroin slang term may be used because the person is seen as delivering heroin like a paperboy delivers newspapers.

7. Nodding Out – Slang for Heroin Use

“Nodding out” is a heroin slang term used to describe the state of semi-consciousness or drowsiness that can happen after heroin use. Heroin is a potent opioid drug that can cause intense euphoria and relaxation. As the effects of the drug begin to wear off, the user may experience extreme fatigue and drowsiness, which can cause them to fall asleep or nod off.

When a person is “nodding out” from heroin use, they may seem in a daze, with their eyes half-closed and their head drooping. They may be unresponsive to external stimuli, such as touch or noise, and have problems staying awake or conversing. Sometimes, the individual may even fall into a deep sleep or unconsciousness.

8. Chipper – Slang for Heroin Use

“Chipper” is a heroin slang term used to describe a person who occasionally uses heroin but is not physically dependent on the drug. In other words, a chipper is a person who can use heroin recreationally without developing a tolerance or experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Heroin Addiction Statistics

In 2020, heroin-involved overdose death rates decreased by nearly 7% 2019 to 2020. However, more than 13,000 people died from a drug overdose involving heroin in the United States, a rate of more than four deaths for every 100,000 Americans. The number of heroin-involved overdose deaths was nearly seven times higher in 2020 than in 1999. Almost 20% of all opioid deaths involved heroin.

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3. Cocaine and Heroin – Dragon Rock, Primo, Speedball, Dynamite, Belushi,

Crack cocaine is a stimulant drug that can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, while heroin is a depressant drug that can slow down respiratory function and heart rate. Mixing these drugs can cause a rollercoaster effect on the body, where the stimulant effects of crack cocaine are quickly followed by the sedative effects of heroin and vice versa. It’s crucial to mention that mixing crack cocaine and heroin is highly dangerous and deadly.

4. Heroin, Cocaine, Marijuana – El Diablo

The combination of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana can have unpredictable and dangerous effects on the body, including respiratory depression, heart attack, stroke, seizures, and coma. The risk of overdose is also significantly increased when these drugs are combined. All three drugs can negatively affect mental health and increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder.

5. Ecstasy and Heroin – H-Bomb

Mixing ecstasy, MDMA/molly and heroin can have severe and life-threatening effects. Ecstasy is an illicit stimulant that can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. At the same time, heroin is a depressant drug that can slow down respiratory function and heart rate. Mixing these drugs can cause a devastating effect on the body, where the stimulant effects of the ecstasy are quickly followed by the sedative effects of the heroin and vice versa.

6. Heroin and LSD – Neon Nod

LSD is a hallucinogenic illicit drug that can cause altered perception, thoughts, and feelings, while heroin is a depressant drug that can slow down respiratory function and heart rate. Long-term use of LSD can lead to addiction, anxiety, depression, and flashbacks. Long-term use of heroin can cause physical dependence, addiction, and a range of health problems, such as liver and kidney damage, respiratory problems, and infectious diseases.

7. Heroin and Ritalin – Pineapple

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a stimulant drug that can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. At the same time, heroin is a depressant drug that can slow down respiratory function and heart rate. Combining these drugs can cause a rollercoaster effect on the body, where the stimulant effects of Ritalin are quickly followed by the sedative effects of heroin and vice versa.

 

What Does Heroin Look Like?

Heroin can come in various forms and look different depending on the type and purity of the drug. Here are some joint physical appearances of heroin:

Powder Form

Heroin powder can be found in colors, from white to dark brown. The color may depend on the manufacturing process or other substances mixed in with the drug. It is often sold in small glassine baggies, wax paper, or foil.

Solid Form

Heroin can be found in solid chunks or “rocks,” typically brown or off-white. This form is often called black tar heroin and is commonly found in the western United States.

Pills or Capsules

Heroin can also be found in pill or capsule form, which may be sold on the street or obtained through illegal sources.

It’s important to note that heroin can be cut with other substances, such as fentanyl or other opioids, which can increase the risk of overdose and other health problems. Additionally, the purity and appearance of heroin can vary widely, making it difficult for users to know what they are getting and how potent the drug is. It’s essential to seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction treatment center if you or someone you know is struggling with heroin use.

Heroin Addiction Treatment Near Me

Heroin addiction is a chronic disease and should be treated like other chronic diseases. Like those, it should constantly be monitored and managed. Heroin is a type of opioid. Opioid addiction treatment is different for each individual. The primary purpose of opioid addiction treatment is to help the person stop using the drug. Opioid addiction treatment can also help the person avoid using it again.

The body goes through specific symptom stages known as opiate withdrawal. The opiate withdrawal timeline varies from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of opioid used, how long it was used, and any other substances that may have been used with opioids. Medically managed withdrawal opiate detox ensures the individual remains safe and stays as comfortable as possible.

Heroin Detox Treatment

The first step in treatment is medical detox. It will help you navigate the complicated withdrawal process but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior contributing to heroin addiction. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.

Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can give the necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of withdrawals.

Inpatient Treatment for Heroin Addiction

There isn’t one treatment approach or style that will suit everyone. Treatment should speak to the needs of the individual. Inpatient drug rehab and addiction treatment aren’t just about drug or alcohol use. The goal is to help the person stop using drugs like heroin. Drug and alcohol rehab should also focus on the whole person’s needs.

Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. When someone or their family is considering different treatment facilities, they should account for the complexity of addiction and the needs of the individual. The objective of attending an inpatient drug and alcohol rehab center for addiction treatment is to stop using the drug and re-learn how to live a productive life without it.

Most people benefit from inpatient rehab after a full medical detox from drugs and alcohol. Inpatient drug rehab can last anywhere from 28 days to several months. Patients stay overnight in the rehab facility and participate in intensive treatment programs and therapy. Once someone completes rehab, their addiction treatment team will create an aftercare program, including continuing therapy and participation in a 12-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

Psychotherapy

Many rehab programs will also have early morning classes or programs. Group sessions occur during inpatient rehab, as do individual therapy sessions. Family therapy may be part of inpatient rehab when it’s feasible. Alternative forms of therapy may be introduced during inpatient rehab, like a holistic therapy program, yoga for addiction recovery, or addiction treatment massage therapy.

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
• Solution-focused therapy is an approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.