![Heroin - Background and Resources](/-/media/images/shared/articles/2014-oct/heroin-use-can-cause-fatal-overdose.jpg?w=172&hash=AFBD81F6DDB339404900D875A1614F9C)
Heroin - Background and Resources
Heroin, an addictive, illegal drug, can cause fatal overdoses. It is an opioid, a class of drugs that includes morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone, among others. Heroin use is increasing due to tighter controls on prescription opioids. Naloxone is the antidote for an acute overdose. Withdrawal should be medically supervised.