"Chasing the dragon" is a slang term commonly associated with the use of drugs, specifically heroin. It refers to a method of drug consumption where the individual heats the drug (usually heroin) on a piece of foil or another suitable surface and then inhales the vapors produced. This method allows the drug to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs, producing an intense and immediate high.
The term "chasing the dragon" is believed to have originated in the 1920s in China, where it was used to describe the practice of inhaling opium fumes. In this context, the "dragon" represents the smoke or vapor rising from the heated drug, and "chasing" refers to the user continually moving the foil to inhale all the vapor.
The term has since been adopted to describe a similar method of heroin use, which involves heating the drug on foil, and then using a straw or tube to inhale the fumes while chasing the moving drug residue across the foil. The process is often seen as highly addictive and dangerous due to the rapid and intense effects of heroin on the brain and body.
Chasing the dragon is associated with significant health risks, including overdose, respiratory problems, addiction, and the transmission of infectious diseases if drug paraphernalia is shared. It is essential for individuals struggling with drug addiction to seek help and support from healthcare professionals or addiction treatment programs to address their substance abuse issues.