True Narcotics / Opiates or Opiate Derivatives
We tend to misuse the term narcotics. In most cases, we use the term narcotics to define any undesirable drug. That definition, however, is inaccurate. Narcotics, at least medically speaking, refers to opium and any opium  derivative. It is, however, vitally important to know the true definition of such terms if we are to continue to use them. The improper use of such terms in official documentation, such as reports, arrest warrants, or search warrants could cause loss of credibility and embarrassment to the author or even an important case to be lost in court. Imagine calling cocaine a narcotic in the affidavit of an arrest warrant (cocaine IS NOT a narcotic)! This error could cause the case to be lost in court.
Heroin
Heroin

 Heroin  paraphernalia

When one thinks of narcotics, heroin is the first drug that comes to mind. Heroin, is called the "gutter" drug. Until heroin's great potential for addiction was discovered, heroin was widely accepted in the medical community.

Heroin, a powder substance, often varies in color. The color of heroin on the street often depends on the type of dilutants, or "cuts," used. For example, heroin that appears brown has probably been "cut" with cocoa powder, brown sugar, or face makeup. White heroin, if not pure, could be "cut" with such dilutants as milk powder or procaine. Remember, any powder, including poisons, can be used to "cut" illegal drugs.

Street heroin varies in purity. Not too many years ago heroin was not found in purity levels any greater than 8%. In the mid-1990s, however, heroin is commonly found in purity levels of 40% to 50%. According to some DEA reports, heroin has been found in purity levels of greater than 90%. With purity levels so high, heroin is now conducive to "snorting." (Historically speaking, heroin is injected.)

The packaging of heroin, similar to most street drugs, is left to the whim of the distributor. Packaging, like street slang, tends to vary from region to region. Usually, however, heroin is packaged in the following ways: 1) bindles which are wax paper envelopes, 2) gel caps which are gelatin capsules, 3) balloons, and 4) small plastic zipper bags. 

   Black Tar Heroin 
Morphine


Morphine
Morphine is most often abused in a clinical setting because it is very difficult to obtain on the street, but many medical professionals have easy access to such powerful pain relievers.
Morphine comes in two forms:
  • Liquid form morphine is packaged in vials or prepared in hypodermic needles. Both are restricted almost exclusively to hospitals.
  • Tablet form morphine is unlawfully sold on the street for as much as $20.00 each. Tablets are often obtained from drug store burglaries, theft, or fraud.
Hydromorphone "Dilaudid"
Hydromorphone is widely known by the brand name Dilaudid. Dilaudid is one of the most powerful narcotics known to man. Dilaudid is probably the most powerful pharmaceutical narcotic in existence. Dilaudid is the pharmaceutical drug that is very similar to heroin in terms of the way it affects the body. These are the reasons it is often called "drug store heroin" on the streets. In some ways Dilaudid is preferable to heroin. This is true because with Dilaudid there are no harmful cutting agents. Heroin can contain cutting agents unknown to the user. Additionally, unlike heroin, with Dilaudid the exact dosage amount is known.

Although Dilaudid is very popular, Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) tightly monitor it. These controls cause the street price of Dilaudid to be extremely expensive relative to other narcotics. Dilaudid is most often seen on the streets in tablet form. The average street price of Dilaudid (known as K-4s because of the "K" on one side of the tablet and a "4" on the other) is between $40.00 to $60.00 each.

Dilaudid is often obtained in small quantities by theft from a relative for whom the medication was legally prescribed. In larger quantities, drug store break-ins and organized crime are the likely source.


Dilaudid
Codeine
Codeine, medically speaking, is prescribed for two general reasons: 1) relief of moderate pain, and 2) as a cough suppressant. Codeine, although a true narcotic, is very weak relative to other narcotics. Codeine is often prescribed in tablet form for the relief of mild pain, and in liquid form as a cough suppressant.

Due to the fact that codeine is relatively weak, it is much easier to obtain on the black market. Additionally, codeine is often prescribed for ailments that are difficult to diagnose such as headaches. Most codeine laced cough syrups do not require a prescription, only a signature of the recipient. On the street, codeine is typically inexpensive compared to other narcotics.

Examples: Tylenol #3 with codeine and Robitussin AC syrup
Methadone
Methadone, a drug used in the treatment of heroin addiction, relieves the physical craving but does not produce the euphoric "high" of heroin. Methadone as a treatment for heroin is controversial.
Routes of Administration
The following are the most common routes of administration for the true narcotics:
Note: Any type of drug can be administered a variety of different ways.
  • Intravenous - or "mainlining" refers to heroin
  • Oral - particularly for the tablets and capsules, excluding Dilaudid. On the street Dilaudid is usually crushed, dissolved in water, and injected.
  • Snorting - particularly with the current, more potent heroin. Sometimes capsules, such as Tylox can also be broken open and snorted.
Effects on the Body
Generally speaking, the true narcotics cause the pupils to constrict and cause the user to be lethargic and appear relaxed or sleepy.

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