Heroin vs. Prescription Opioids

Heroin was created in the late 1800’s as what was thought to be a “safer” alternative to morphine. However, the molecular structures of heroin and prescription opioids are so similar that your brain cannot tell the difference between the two. What can tell the difference? Your wallet. Prescription opioids can be $80 or more on the street, while heroin may be as low as $10.

Heroin is typically injected, rather than swallowed, snorted or smoked. A recent study conducted by the University of Washington’s Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute found that of those drug injectors who had used heroin within the past 3 months, 57% reported being “hooked on” prescription opioids before trying heroin.

To learn more about heroin, check out the Foundation for a Drug-Free World’s online documentary “The Truth About Heroin.”

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