As an analgesic heroin is safe, effective and has a wide safety margin. However, it is perceived by many as a 'horror drug'. The situation demonstrates the powerful influence of policies or legal status of a drug on the lives of those who choose to use the substance unlawfully. It is produced in minimal amounts legally and street heroin is produced in illicit laboratories. The chemical is a white crystalline powder, soluble in water.
Coloured preparations reflect different contaminants present.
While the drug can be used orally it is more often used parenterally because this is a far more cost effective means of achieving the desired psychoactive effects. The onset of action is rapid and the duration of action is approximately 3-4 hours. The immediate effect or 'rush' after an IV dose is related to the high fat solubility of the drug and thus its rapid entry into the brain. As heroin is not legally available in Australia, illegal users obtain supplies of the drug on the street. Most users inject their dose using a number of solvents for the powder they purchase.