Which narcotic is derived from morphine and highly addictive?

Which narcotic is derived from morphine and highly addictive?

• A. Heroin
• B. Alcohol
• C. Ethanol
• D. Hemorrhage

Answer: (A)

Heroin is diacetylmorphine, made by adding acetyl groups to morphine. This small chemical change makes it far more soluble in fats, so it crosses the blood-brain barrier very quickly. The rapid arrival in the brain produces a powerful, immediate high, which strongly reinforces continued use and drives its high potential for addiction. Once in the brain, heroin is rapidly converted to morphine and binds to mu-opioid receptors, producing the classic opioid effects and the withdrawal cycle that sustains dependence. Because of its high abuse risk and limited medical use, it is tightly controlled. The other items listed aren’t narcotics derived from morphine—alcohol (ethanol) is a separate class of depressants, and hemorrhage is a medical condition, not a drug.

Heroin is diacetylmorphine, made by adding acetyl groups to morphine. This small chemical change makes it far more soluble in fats, so it crosses the blood-brain barrier very quickly. The rapid arrival in the brain produces a powerful, immediate high, which strongly reinforces continued use and drives its high potential for addiction. Once in the brain, heroin is rapidly converted to morphine and binds to mu-opioid receptors, producing the classic opioid effects and the withdrawal cycle that sustains dependence. Because of its high abuse risk and limited medical use, it is tightly controlled. The other items listed aren’t narcotics derived from morphine—alcohol (ethanol) is a separate class of depressants, and hemorrhage is a medical condition, not a drug.