Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance extracted from the seed pod of opium poppy plants. It usually appears as a white or brown powder or as a black sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.”

Heroin affects the brain by binding to opioid receptors, producing intense feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and pain relief. The drug can be injected, smoked, or snorted, depending on its form.

Although heroin may create a temporary sense of euphoria, it carries serious health risks. These include addiction, slowed breathing, overdose, infectious diseases from needle sharing, and long-term damage to physical and mental health. Repeated use can quickly lead to dependence, making it difficult for users to stop without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Due to its high risk of addiction and overdose, heroin is considered an illegal and dangerous drug in most countries.