Introduction | Discovery | Chemical Composition
Usage | Historical Significance
Heroin is an opiate made from the chemical morphine, extracted from the opium poppy. The drug is extremely fast acting and within seconds results in the feeling of extreme well-being and euphoria.
Heroin is very addictive, both physically and psychologically, and its effects diminish with increased tolerance. Therefore, users must consistently increase the dosage of heroin in order to achieve the same levels of well-being.
In the United States, Heroin is considered a schedule I drug which makes its possession and distribution illegal without a DEA license. Under US law, the possession of heroin results in imprisonment for a minimum of 5 years
.
