Heroin Diamorphine Metabolite (6-MAM)
Heroin Diamorphine Metabolite (6-MAM)
Also know as?
Smack, Skag, Horse, H, Gear, Brown, Black, Tar, Boy.
| ‘Illegal’ drugs (‘accidental exposure’ – zero tolerance approach) | Threshold limit in microgrammes per litre of blood (µg/L) |
|---|---|
| 6-monoacetylmorphine (Heroin) | 5µg/L |
What is Heroin?
Heroin is possibly the most well known of Class A drugs conjouring up images of ravaged skeletal drug addicts depicted in anti-drug campaigns of the 80’s. Most may think that driving whilst using heroin is an impossibility but for functioning heroin addicts there is a real risk of a drug driving conviction if you get behind the wheel even days after taking the drug.
The drug is made from morphine, which is extracted from the opium poppy. Diacetylmorphine is used as both a recreational drug and a legal, medically prescribed drug, as other opioids. It can be offered as a prescription to long-term users as a form of opioid replacement therapy. Opium has been used for many hundreds of years. It was originally used to treat pain, insomnia and diarrhea. Heroin is a very strong painkiller, with many pain-killing drugs originating from opium (called opiates). Taking heroin gives users a feeling of warmth and well-being. Bigger doses can make users sleepy and very relaxed.
What is the risk of taking Heroin?
- Overdoses can lead to coma and even death. Ketamine can cause respiratory failure.
- Heroin taken with other drugs, including alcohol, make an overdose more likely.
- The effects of heroin can last for a number of hours.
How long does Heroin stay in system?
- 3 to 4 days in urine
Saliva test – from an hour after intake to 3 days
- Up to 90 in hair
- Up to 12 hours in blood*.
Expected level of drug that will stay in the system 24 hours after taking Heroine.
- Undetectable after single dose, less than 5µg/L.
*For chronic users, drugs can be reserved in the system much longer after their last use. For example, marijuana and PCP stay in user’s system and can be detected for up to 30 days after long periods of heavy use.
