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SMACK - Slang term for Heroin - n a highly addictive drug derived from morphine Heroin use is increasing in almost every part of the United States, among all age groups, including middle school-age and high school-age teens.
Heroin availability is increasing, with new sources and distribution networks reported; dealers who previously sold cocaine/crack cocaine only, now sell heroin as well. Heroin purity has also increased, making possible sale of smaller amounts priced competitively with other illicit drugs.
New methods of non-injecting use are popular among teens, who fear HIV/AIDS. Teens who snort, sniff, smoke, swallow, or squirt heroin believe these practices make the drug "safe," and even less addictive, in spite of the facts. Some teens who swear they will never inject, reveal in confidential interviews that they already do.
Injection remains the favored practice of addicts. "Chasing the Dragon," smoking heroin and crack cocaine mixture called moon rock, parachute rock, or speedball rock is gaining popularity among users below age 22.
Young people are targeted by "heroin chic" in fashion and entertainment. Young, new heroin addicts have " no memory of the previous generation of addicts" and/or see their own use as completely different.