Heroin vs Morphine: A Detailed Comparison Of Two Addictive Opioid Drugs

Opioids are gradually becoming the sole option for severe pain management. Morphine is a natural opiate that has been used for almost two centuries now for pain relief. But some people aim to get this medication more easily and at lower prices. That is when the illegal drug Heroin comes to the rescue for these individuals. People find no difference between Heroin and Morphine, and use them interchangeably because of heavy dependence. This negligence might lead to some of the most dangerous consequences. Through this detailed comparison of Heroin vs Morphine,we will understand their properties, differences and dangers respectively.

Discussing Heroin And Morphine

What Is Morphine?

Let’s talk about Morphine first. It was isolated from the opium poppy plant for the first time by the German pharmacist Fredreich Sertürner in the year 1804. In 1827, Morphine became a commercial drug for pain relief. It is a natural opiate drug that is now used primarily for severe pain in medical settings. Morphine is also prescribed to patients sometimes orally but it is commonly administered as an intravenous drug in hospitals. The reason behind this strict protocol is the high potency for abuse and addiction it has. But if Morphine is compared with Oxycodone or Fentanyl, it is way less potent than its opioid counterparts. That may not make it safer than opioids though.

What Is Heroin?

In 1874, a British researcher named C.R. Alder Wright made Heroin out of Morphine for the first time. Roughly after 20 years, Bayer started manufacturing Heroin as a “non-addictive” alternative to Morphine. Later evidence showed that Heroin does not function as a clinical medication. The United States banned the drug in 1924. Illegal organizations still sell Heroin illegally in many countries, including America. It has no medical use; yet some European countries use Heroin as a pain medication in the form of Diamorphine. Heroin is often mixed with Cocaine or other opioids and sold on the streets as powdered pouches or IV liquids.

Mechanism Of Heroin And Morphine

Both share the same mechanism and the simple reason is that Heroin cannot directly function in our nervous system. It has to turn into Morphine first after entering the system through the blood-brain barrier. After reaching the brain the conversion happens and the actual mechanism begins. For Morphine, it can directly enter the brain and bind with μ-opioid receptors to induce pain relief. This happens when the receptors trigger the release of dopamine neurotransmitters. These transmitters make it difficult for the brain to identify pain signals. The euphoric effects and the activation of the reward system succeed in making one feel relaxed and calm.

Why Heroin vs Morphine Comparison?

There is a very valid reason to compare Heroin and Morphine. People have used both drugs interchangeably for ages now. We have already discussed how history viewed Heroin as an alternative to Morphine. In modern day, we can say that European doctors have the freedom to prescribe either Morphine or Diamorphine (Heroin) to people suffering with severe pain. But many people wonder “Are Heroin and Morphine the same?” These people often switch from Morphine to Heroin due to its easy access. The main reason behind this behavior should be the abuse of the two drugs. Let us dive deeper into this comparison now.

Heroin vs Morphine Difference

This difference between Heroin and Morphine is easier to understand when divided into categories. This will focus on comparing the important areas where the two drugs can differ, such as strength or structure. 

Chemical Structure

There is a slight difference between the chemical structure of Heroin and Morphine. Morphine’s chemical formula is C₁₇H₁₉NO₃ which indicates the presence of two hydroxyl groups (-OH). But the chemical structure of Heroin is C₂₁H₂₃NO₅ where the opioid replaces its hydroxyl groups with two acetyl groups (CH₃COO-). The major importance of this Heroin vs Morphine structure difference is that it brings a contrast in the next two differences of the two drugs.

Strength

It becomes so apt that now we talk about the strength of Heroin vs Morphine. The structure of the two drugs has partially answered the question of “What is stronger Heroin or Morphine?” The second half of the answer lies in the mechanism itself. Heroin enters the system much more quickly because it is fat-soluble. This makes it very lipid for crossing the blood-brain barrier in a matter of seconds. But Morphine’s slower pace makes it much more comfortable for pain relief. Heroin is faster, stronger but for all the wrong reasons.

Potency

Morphine has become the base for calculating opioid potency. It is pretty evident that we need to compare it with Heroin. A study in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics found that Heroin is 2-4 times stronger than Morphine.

Addiction

At last, we need to understand the most concerning part of this comparison. Because of its higher potency, strength and structure Heroin is more addictive. As a result of which Heroin is banned in most of the countries today. Morphine is addictive too and carries an immense risk of abuse, but it is significantly lower than most of the opioids.

Similarities Between Morphine And Heroin

We cannot miss the similar aspects of the two drugs after knowing the differences. One of the similarities between the two drugs is their mechanism which has been discussed already. Morphine and Heroin share the same side effects and many of their properties. Approval status doesn’t matter; users frequently abuse both Heroin and Morphine. Heroin’s chemical structure might be a bit different from that of Morphine but after entering the system the structure becomes the same. Most importantly, we have to mention that both drug addictions are treated in the same way as other opioid dependencies are managed.

Side Effects Of Opioids

Opioids should be taken very carefully because the side effects are dangerous. Let us take a quick look at the serious risks of using these drugs.

• Dependence and tolerance
• Hyperalgesia
• Respiratory issues
• Cardiovascular problems
• Changes in hormonal patterns
• Strong cravings

Treatments For Opioid Addiction

If you are dealing with Heroin or Morphine addiction you must consult healthcare professionals immediately. Opioid Addiction Treatment will provide one with the best solution for this dependence. Two types of treatments will help you kick-start your journey to sobriety. Medication-Assisted Treatment is the first treatment in this journey. Doctors will administer some special drugs for managing opioid addiction. Methadone, Suboxone and Naltrexone are the three major medications provided in this treatment. A study in the National Library of Medicine finds that Group Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as the best long-term solutions for opioid addiction.

Conclusion

Heroin and Morphine pose a great threat to our health. Heroin is a guaranteed ticket to rehab once you start abusing the illegal opioid. Morphine, the original opiate painkiller, remains a preferred and approved medication for severe pain. Healthcare professionals must monitor opioid dependence for a safe recovery.