“Heroin is synthesized from compounds distilled from the sap of poppy seed pods, which can be seen in the drawing by Koehler to the right. A dilute mixture of heroin is often injected directly into the blood stream, though it may be taken other ways as well. The user quickly experiences a feeling of intense pleasure and euphoria. Any pain will disappear.

“Heroin affects both the brain and nervous system because it closely resembles endorphins produced by our bodies. Endorphins are natural pain relievers and also produce much of the pleasure we feel from sex.”