Powerful opiate analgesic, an acetyl
derivative of morphine. It is more addictive
than morphine but causes less nausea. It has
an important place in the control of severe
pain in terminal illness, severe injuries,
and heart attacks, but is widely used
illegally. The major regions of opium
production, for conversion to heroin, are the
`Golden Crescent' of Afghanistan, Iran, and
Pakistan, and the `Golden Triangle' across
parts of Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and Thailand.
Heroin was invented in Germany 1898. In 1971
there were 3,000 registered heroin addicts in
the UK; in 1989 there were over 100,000.