Heroin

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Heroin

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

HER-oh-in  /ˈhɛrəʊɪn/

Definition

A highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine, itself extracted from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum); diacetylmorphine. A Class A controlled substance in the UK, associated with severe physical dependence, overdose risk, and significant public health burden.

Plain meaning

Heroin is a powerful opioid drug made from morphine — which comes from the opium poppy. It is one of the most addictive and dangerous substances known. Medically it is used in some countries as diamorphine for severe pain; recreationally it causes euphoria, dependence, and a high risk of fatal overdose.

Register

Neutral to clinical in medical contexts. In public discourse heroin is associated with addiction, crime, and public health crisis. The clinical synonym diamorphine is used in medical settings to distinguish the therapeutic from the illegal use.