Diacetylmorphine

Diacetylmorphine, commonly known as Heroin (other names include: scag/skag, dope, chiva, boy, H, horse, or smack) is an extremely strong opiate, first synthesized in 1874. It gained popularity in the early 1900s when a German company, which would go on to become Bayer Pharmaceuticals, trademarked the drug under the name Heroin and marketed it as anything from a cough suppressant to a morphine addiction cure (THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF IRONY). After a relatively brief stint as a medicinal opiate, it was finally banned in the United States in 1924 and is currently classified as a Schedule I narcotic.

Heroin is known for being one of the "worst" drugs, despite the fact that it does almost no damage to your body in and of itself (most risks are due to Intravenous Injection (IV) administration), and for being very addictive and awesome.

Chemistry

morphinan-3,6-diol, 7,8-didehydro-4,5-epoxy-17-methyl-, diacetate (ester), (5alpha,6alpha)-Heroin (diacetyl morphine) is produced by acetylation of morphine. The original process, developed by Bayer, used acetic anhydride as the acetylation agent. The brown or yellowish powdered heroin is usually created by the use of acetic anhydride. Due to the increased regulations on acetic anhydride, heroin manufacturers have resulted to other acetylation agents, such as acetyl chloride. The substitution of acetyl chloride for acetic anhydride during acetylation results in black tar heroin. Due to the weaker acetylation ability of acetyl chloride, larger amounts of 6-MAM are often found in black tar heroin.

Forms

Street heroin comes in brown, yellowish or white powder, or as black tar. Black tar heroin comes largely from Mexico, is found primarily on the West Coast US and in the Midwest, is sometimes more potent because it contains 6-MAM, and causes all veins to collapse in the average IV user in 1 year as opposed to 20-30.

Also it comes in the more rare form of HomeBake Heroin. Made almost exclusively in New Zealand and on a much smaller scale then most operations. Sometimes distributed by gangs and made in large quantities but more commonly made and used for the personal supply of users. The ingredients are usually brought and the user converts enough to last a few days.

Methods of Administration

• Insufflation - 15 minute come-up (not much rush), about half as intense as IV, lasts quite a while.
• Smoking - (For tar, preferred method; powder must be prepped with 50% caffeine to be smoked properly) Fast comeup, able to control how much you do (hard to OD), and doesn't last very long. For more information on smoking black tar heroin, see this extremely handy step-by-step guide.
• Intravenous - instant come-up, amazing rush, but some say doesn't last that long. DO NOT IV unless you know what you're doing. Also, filter beforehand. Cotton is not an acceptable filter for long-term use.
• Rectal - 5-10 minute come-up, minor rush, somewhere between IV and snorting for potency.
• Oral - When taken orally, heroin just turns into morphine in the liver. The pussy method.

Typical Effects

Positive

• God-like Euphoria
• Simultaneous stimulation and sedation
• Analgesia

Neutral

• Nodding like crazy
• Constricted pupils
• Mild difficulty focusing eyes
• Apathy
• Flushed skin
• Difficulty with reaching sexual climax

Negative

• Constipation
• Histamine release (ie. the Opiate itch)
• Loss of sex drive (with long-term use)
• Urinary retention/Difficult urination
• Dry mouth
• Slowed Breathing (respiratory depression)
• Possible Dizziness (especially when mixed with other drugs, with new users, and sometimes with IV use)
• Possible Nausea (especially when mixed with other drugs, with new users, and sometimes with IV use)
• Shortened temper and increased agitation
• Withdrawal with repeated use

Health Risks

Most health risks are associated with the method of administration. Heroin, like all opiates, is non-toxic. (Compare to cocaine, which is cardiotoxic, and amphetamine, which is neurotoxic.) It does, however, result in increased liver function and physical dependence. Those who have bad livers or are fucking pussies should not ride the horse. Also, overdosing is a risk.