The Chemical Breakdown Of Heroin And Morphine

Introduction:

An opiate is a narcotic analgesic that depresses the central nervous system. There are different types of opiates, but the two discussed are heroin and morphine. Heroin is a crystalline narcotic white powder derived from morphine, formerly used as a sedative and painkiller, while morphine can exist in a white crystalline or liquid form. Additionally, morphine is a narcotic pain medication obtained from opium.

Chemical Breakdown of Heroin:

Heroin is a derivative of morphine extracted from the dried latex of the poppy plant. After morphine is extracted, it undergoes acetylation, inducing an acetyl group into a chemical compound, and thus diacetylmorphine (heroin) is produced. By replacing the -OH groups with -OCOCH3, heroin becomes more soluble in fats and oils. Thus, it has to be delivered directly to the bloodstream, and when it reaches the brain, it crosses the blood-brain barrier faster than morphine.

Chemical Breakdown of Morphine:

Morphine is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid and is the most abundant in opium. The three-dimensional structure contains five rings, three of which lie in the same plane, and the other two at right angles to these three. Morphine and its hydrated form are barely soluble in water or lipids, and because of this low solubility in lipids, it’s harder for it to cross the blood-brain barrier in the brain. Thus, it takes a longer time to give the “rush,” but it is longer-lasting. Morphine is usually administered via snorting or IV injections.

Absorption Methods of Heroin, Morphine, and Opiates:

Most commonly, morphine, heroin, and other opiates enter the body by smoking, snorting, or injection.

Side Effects of Opiates:

Opiates have several side effects, including reduced blood pressure and heart rate, constricted pupils, dry mouth, suppressed cough reflex, reduced sexual urges, drowsiness, slurred and slow speech, impaired coordination, nausea, and vomiting. Other side effects include loss of concentration, falling asleep or going 'on the nod,' slow and shallow breathing, sweating, itching, and increased urination.

Notable Cases:

Randy Grimes, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1983-1992, was addicted to painkillers (opiates) and has been at Palm Beach for treatment for his addiction. He was very close to overdosing himself and was indeed fighting for his life. Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre nearly died from using painkillers and was suffering from seizures when he decided to stop using them and entered the NFL substance abuse program voluntarily.