Opium, the first opioid, is derived from the sap of the opium poppy, the growth and cultivation of which dates back to the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia around 3400 BC. The Egyptians and Persians initially used opium. Eventually, it spread to various parts of Europe, India, China and the Middle East. In the 18th century, American physicians used opium as a therapeutic agent for multiple purposes, including to relieve pain related to cancer, tetanus spasms, and pain related to menstruation and childbirth. It was not until the end of the 18th century that some doctors began to recognize the addictive nature of opium. In 1805, morphine and codeine were isolated from opium, and morphine served as a cure for opium addiction since its addictive characteristics were not known. The use of morphine as a treatment for opium addiction was initially well received because morphine has approximately ten times greater euphoric effects than the equivalent amount of opium. However, over the years, morphine abuse increased. Heroin was synthesized from morphine in 1874 by an English chemist, but was not commercialized until 1898 by the Bayer Pharmaceutical Company. Attempts have been proposed to use heroin in place of morphine due to problems with morphine abuse. However, it turned out that heroin was also highly addictive and was eventually classified as an illegal drug in the United States. Today, heroin in the United States comes primarily from Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia, Latin America, Mexico, and the Middle East. It is usually sold as a white or brownish powder or as a black sticky substance called "black tar" heroin. Heroin found on the street is usually mixed with other drugs or substances such as sugar, starch, milk powder, talcum powder, baking...... middle of paper.... ...ss the body. This brief but intense surge is then followed by a deep, drowsy state of relaxation and contentment, marked by impaired consciousness and a lack of concentration and attention. This state lasts two to four hours then gradually disappears. Some people react negatively to heroin, feeling only anxiety, nausea, and depression. Additionally, some drug users may experience burning or detrition of muscles at intramuscular injection sites (mainlining). Heroin is generally used in three main ways: cut and then snorted, smoked, or injected. When cutting, the heroin is placed in a straight line and then snorted upward and through the nasal cavity. Smoked, heroin is placed in a pipe (like a marijuana pipe), then heated and inhaled. Finally, heroin can be heated in liquid form, mixed with water, and injected into veins and muscles under the skin..