Heroin
Heroin use disorder, the changing drug supply, and the treatments that help.
What heroin is
Heroin is an illegal opioid made from morphine. It is injected, smoked, or snorted. In much of the U.S., the street supply sold as heroin now often contains fentanyl, which greatly increases overdose risk.5
Specific risks
- Overdose, especially after a period of not using or when the supply changes
- Infections from injecting, including HIV, hepatitis C, abscesses, and heart valve infection
- Vein damage and other injection-related injuries
Syringe services programs provide sterile supplies, testing, and links to treatment, and reduce infection risk.
Treatment
The same three FDA-approved medications used for OUD are effective for people who use heroin.6 See the treatment section of the main opioids guide above.
Research references
- Fentanyl — Overdose Prevention (opens another website)Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Link checked October 17, 2026
- TIP 63: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (opens another website)Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 2018 (updated editions since)Link checked October 17, 2026
Where to get help
911
For a medical emergency or immediate danger: possible overdose, someone who cannot be woken, trouble breathing, seizures, chest pain, severe confusion, or a risk of violence.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential support from trained crisis counselors for anyone in emotional distress or crisis — including if you are worried about someone else. Veterans and service members can call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
Poison Help Line
Expert advice if someone may have taken too much of a substance or medicine, or mixed substances. If the person is unresponsive or not breathing normally, call 911 first.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Confidential treatment referral and information for people and families facing substance use or mental health conditions. It connects you to local treatment, support groups, and community organizations.
These are U.S. services. Outside the U.S., contact your local emergency number. See all verified resources.
Editorial draft — awaiting qualified clinical review
This page was researched and written by the GAREP editorial process with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed. It has not yet been reviewed by a licensed clinician. Use it to understand and prepare, not to make medical decisions on your own.
GAREP Editorial (AI-assisted draft)
Written to be useful in any country. Services and medication availability differ by country.
- Published
- October 17, 2026
- Updated
- October 18, 2026