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A Complete History of Heroin

Substance use disorder (SUD) affects people from all walks of life. Heroin is a rapidly acting, highly addictive opioid responsible for thousands of drug overdoses and deaths.1 The history of heroin can help you understand drug addiction in a new light. Keep reading to learn more about heroin, the opioid epidemic, and ways to find treatment for heroin addiction.

The Origins of Heroin

Heroin is an opioid made from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pods of opium poppy plants.1 These plants are typically grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and South America.1 In the 19th century, people commonly used morphine for pain management.2 As morphine became a popular drug of misuse, scientists searched for a less harmful alternative.2

Like morphine, heroin was originally used for medicinal purposes.2 As medical professionals realized its dangers and addictive nature, the U.S. government created laws attempting to control its use.2 Today, heroin is an illicit drug found in the U.S. in multiple forms, including white or brown powder and a black sticky substance called black tar heroin.1

When Was Heroin Discovered?

Answering the question, “When was heroin discovered?” takes us back thousands of years. Opium existed long before heroin. Around 4000 BC, Mesopotamians cultivated the opium poppy plant.2 Later, in 1875, an English chemist synthesized the drug’s compound, diamorphine.3 Diamorphine was then re-synthesized into heroin about 20 years later by Felix Hoffmann, a chemist and Bayer & Co. employee.3

What Was Heroin Originally Used For?

Heroin had multiple medicinal uses before medical professionals discovered its dangers. In 1898, Bayer & Co. introduced heroin as an over-the-counter pain reliever and cough suppressant.3 Since people were using morphine recreationally, Hoffman, who invented heroin, attempted to create a less potent, less addictive alternative to morphine.2 However, after synthesizing, heroin was shown to be nearly twice as powerful as morphine.3

When Did Heroin Become Illegal?

The dangers and addictive effects of heroin soon became evident. In 1914, with The Harrison Narcotics Tax Act, heroin became a controlled substance that doctors could only prescribe for medicinal purposes.4 Still, rates of addiction and misuse continued.

By 1924, the U.S. Congress made heroin a Schedule I narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act.1 The manufacture, sale, and importation of heroin became illegal, and it was classified as a highly addictive substance with no accepted medical use in the U.S.1

The Opioid Epidemic

The opioid epidemic has dramatically impacted millions of people and families across the U.S. In 2020, opioids were responsible for nearly 75% of drug overdoses and continue to pose a significant health crisis in our nation.5

Researchers outline the rise in opioid-related deaths between 1999 and 2021 in 3 different waves.5 With overdose deaths multiplying sixfold since 1999, the first wave began with the overprescription of opioids.5 Heroin played a major role in the second wave of the opioid epidemic in 2010, with rapid increases in overdose deaths.5

The stark rise in opioid-related overdoses continues today, as drug dealers often mix heroin with powerful, synthetic opioids like fentanyl.5 Currently, fentanyl is often responsible for most opioid-related overdoses and deaths in the U.S.5

Finding Addiction Treatment for Heroin

The highly addictive nature of heroin can make addiction hard to overcome. Still, winning the battle against heroin addiction is possible. If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction, help is available. Taking the first step is often the most challenging part. However, deciding to enter treatment can be potentially life-changing and open the doors to support and encouragement.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is here to help you find the care you need and embark on your recovery journey. From using health insurance to pay for rehab to learning more about SUD treatment, our admissions navigators can guide you through the steps to find the right treatment center for you. Call AAC at or fill out the form below to start your journey to a happier, healthier life.

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