HEROIN INFORMATION WHAT IS HEROIN? Heroin, also called diacetyl morphine or diamorphine, is a simple derivative of morphine made by heating morphine with acetic acid. The German pharmacologist Heinrich Dreser did the pioneering clinical research at Friedrich Bayer and Co which introduced Heroin commercially in 1898. Dreser found heroin to be a highly effective medication in the treatment of coughs, chest pains, and the discomfort of tuberculosis. This effect was important because pneumonia and tuberculosis were the two leading causes of death at that time, prior to the discovery of antibiotics. Dreser recommended heroin to doctors on the grounds that it was stronger than morphine and safer than codeine. Because of its great potential, he derived his name for the new drug from the German word for `heroic.' Heroin is about two or three times as strong as morphine, apparently because it crosses the membrane between the blood and brain more quickly. The strength of a drug is sometimes offered as evidence that it is dangerous, but in fact the strength indicates nothing more than the amount required to produce a particular effect. It takes about twice as much morphine as heroin to produce the same effects, but the maximum effects are essentially the same. In fact, heroin is reconverted to morphine before it binds to brain tissue, and therefore the effects of the two drugs are theoretically identical in equivalent doses. Although the important reactions to morphine and heroin are the same, the withdrawal following experimental addictions to morphine are somewhat more prolonged. Some experienced users cannot distinguish the effects of intravenous injections of the two drugs in the laboratory, and most find both acceptable for regular use. Other users, however, can distinguish the two drugs and claim to have a strong preference for one or the other. Click here for information on Dosing
Opiates are derived from the dried 'milk' of the opium poppy which contains morphine and codeine, both of which are effective
painkillers and are used for many medical uses (both are used in many cough medicines and anti-diarrhoea treatments). Heroin
in its pure form is a white powder which is easily soluble in water.
There are a number of synthetic opiates which are used as painkillers such as pethidine and methadone which is often prescribed
for heroin and opiate addiction. Collectively opiates and synthetic opiates are called opioids.
Opioid powders can be swallowed or dissolved in water and injected, particularly into a vein which maximises the effect.
Heroin is sometimes sniffed, or the fumes from the heated powder is inhaled (this method is sometimes called 'chasing the
dragon').
The large majority of heroin is illegally manufactured and imported, which originates largely from the Indian sub-continent.
When sold at street level it is likely to have been diluted or cut with a variety of similar powders. The main dilutant is glucose.
However, the practice of using other substances such as caffeine, flour and talcum powder is a constant danger to users.
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