Combating the Heroin Epidemic

Some facts about heroin and heroin addiction include:

Heroin is an opioid drug that is synthesized from morphine, a natural substance extracted from the opium poppy.
Heroin characteristically appears in one of three forms: a white or brown powder; or a black sticky substance, commonly called “black tar heroin.”
Heroin can be introduced into the body in several ways: injecting it; inhaling it by snorting or sniffing; or smoking it. Through those methods, the bloodstream quickly delivers the drug to the brain.
Heroin addiction is a dependence on the drug, rendering the addict incapable of controlling his or her drug use and, perhaps, inducing the addict to continue using the drug despite the damage it might cause to the addict. Heroin addiction can cause an addict to experience intense cravings for the drug, making it difficult or impossible for the addict to quit using it without help.