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Heroin

• En español

Image DEA Image

Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance taken from the seed pod of the various opium poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Colombia. Heroin can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. Learn about the health effects of heroin and read the Research Report.

Looking for Treatment?

Use the SAMHSA Treatment Locator or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Featured

Image Research Report

Heroin Research Report

Offers the latest scientific information on heroin use and its consequences as well as treatment options available for...

Image Research Report

Prescription Opioids and Heroin Research Report

Explores the relationship between prescription opioid abuse and heroin use, including prescription opioid use as a risk...

Image Infographic

Medications for Opioid Overdose, Withdrawal, & Addiction

Explore the different types of medications prescribed for opioid overdose, withdrawal, and addiction. Medications for...

More on this Topic

DrugFacts

Naloxone DrugFacts

| En español DrugFacts

Criminal Justice DrugFacts

| En español Research Report

Prescription Opioids and Heroin Research Report

News Release

Higher doses of buprenorphine may improve treatment outcomes for people with opioid use disorder

| En español

Multimedia

Video

How Naloxone Saves Lives in Opioid Overdose

Naloxone saves lives. This video reviews when naloxone is used, how it is administered, and the way it works. The...

Related Resources

• NIH Director’s Blog on Heroin
• HHS announces steps to address opioid related deaths and dependence