• The drug, which is not found in nature, was created by scientists looking for a non-addictive substitute for morphine. The result — heroin — is a drug with four times the pain relieving effect and several times the addictive potential.

• Withdrawal can begin within a few hours after last use in regular abusers. Withdrawal symptoms include drug craving, restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea and vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps, kicking movements and other symptoms.

• Major withdrawal symptoms peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose and subside after about a week.

• Sudden withdrawal by heavily dependent users who are in poor health is occasionally fatal.

They call it Junk, Horse, Smack, H, Powder, White Stuff, Sugar, Dope, Scag, Black Tar, China White.

Side effects include constricted pupils, reduced appetite, constipation, low body temperature, itching, sweating and stupor. At higher doses, your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure decrease.

• Heroin addicts smoke, snort or inject the drug.• Heroin is a fast-acting drug — especially when injected or smoked — reaching the brain in 15 to 30 seconds.

Heroin users put themselves at risk for contracting HIV, AIDS, hepatitis B and C, respiratory failure and heart attacks.

Need to talk: If you have questions about this topic, call the Butler County Drug and Alcohol Program at 724-284-5114 or the county’s drug tip line at 866-363-3784.