Street Level Heroin, an Overview on Its Components and Adulterants Publisher



Akhgari M¹ ; Etemadialeagha A² ; Jokar F¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse Volume 1: Foundations of Understanding# Tobacco# Alcohol# Cannabinoids and Opioids Published:2016

Abstract

Substance abuse is a major international problem facing many counties on multiple levels. Addiction to these substances has life-threatening consequences for abusers and people who live and have close contact with them. One of the members of the opium derivatives family is heroin. Heroin is a potent pain killer and highly addictive drug. It became one of the most important illicit drugs after international bans on its production, distribution, and dealing. Street forms of heroin are adulterated for many reasons. Adulterants added intentionally or produced as by-products in manufacturing processes can be hazardous for anyone who uses them. Analysis of these adulterants and component analysis of street heroin can help medical practitioners to predict health consequences related to their use. We believe that substance abuse represents an important need for training, education, and preventive measures for all educational levels of people all over the world. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.