
Heroin is an illegal opioid drug that is made from morphine, which is extracted from the opium poppy. Heroin is considered an inexpensive street drug.
Heroin can come as a white or brownish powder or as a sticky black “tar”.
View a list of frequently asked questions about heroin abuse
Heroin Is Often Made Of Impure Additives
Because heroin is not produced in quality-controlled labs and drug dealers try to maximize profit, heroin is often cut with additives.
Baking soda, starch, sugar, or baby powder may be added to street-level heroin.
Additives in heroin may cause damage to the circulatory system from these foreign substance “clots”.
Heroin Is Often Cut With Stronger Opioids
Many drug dealers add stronger opioids like fentanyl to increase the potency of their product. In 2019, fentanyl was responsible for approximately 82% of all opioid-related overdose deaths.
Finding Treatment For Heroin Use
If you or a loved one struggle with heroin abuse, we can help. Opioid abuse has serious consequences on a person’s health and well-being.
Call our recovery helpline for more information on the best treatment options for your needs.
Every person is different, but many have success with inpatient detox and behavioral therapy in both inpatient drug rehab and outpatient treatment settings.
Get started today – it’s the best decision you can make.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- Mayo Clinic — What Are Opioids And Why Are They Dangerous?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/expert-answers/what-are-opioids/faq-20381270 - National Institute on Drug Abuse — Overdose Death Rates
https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates - U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus — Opioid Addiction
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/opioid-addiction/#causes - U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA — Heroin Research Report
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/overview - U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Heroin DrugFacts
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin