History of the Peak of Heroin Abuse

Heroin, an opiate drug made from poppy, affects brain receptors and slows down pain, respiration and emotional response. This sedative ranks as one of the most commonly abused drugs throughout the world.

Heroin Discovery

• In 1874, British chemist C.R. Alder Wright first synthesized the base compound that forms heroin. More than 20 years later, German chemist Felix Hoffman rediscovered the powerful sedative effects of the drug. Some individuals even recommended that heroin be used to overcome morphine addiction.

U.S. Use

• During the Civil War, medical personnel used opiates similar to heroin to treat injured soldiers. Even cough medicines listed heroin as an active ingredient. By 1890, local communities declared the drug's use illegal. In 1906, The Pure Food and Drugs Act required the listing of package ingredients, thus ending deception about the dangers of heroin. In 1922, the government imposed tight restrictions regarding the transport of heroin.

Peak Use

• Heroin addiction climaxed in the United States in the 1970s and 80s when abuse reached epic levels. Overall, more permissive attitudes regarding drugs, along with cheaper production costs and greater availability, fueled this increase.