What is heroin?

Heroin is a morphine derivative and morphine is opium's most potent active ingredient. First synthesized in 1874, heroin was widely used in medicine in the early part of the 20th century, until its addictive potential was recognized.


Pure heroin is a powder with a bitter taste. Street heroin may vary in color from white to dark brown because of impurities or additives. There is a dark brown or black form of the drug, as dense as roofing tar or coal, known as "black tar."

Show All Answers

1. What is heroin?
2. What are the facts about heroin?
3. Who uses heroin?
4. How is heroin used?
5. What is the attraction of heroin?
6. What are the long-term consequences of heroin use?
7. Is there a connection between prescription drugs and heroin?
8. How can I prevent my child from becoming addicted?
9. How to know when someone needs help?
10. What kind of treatment services are there?
11. How do I make an intervention happen?
12. What is the mission of the Herion Prevention Task Force?
13. Where can I find some resources related to heroin abuse?
14. Where can I find information to share with my teen about heroin abuse?
15. How do I contact the Heroin Prevention Task Force?
16. How do I learn about your conferences?