In general, most heroin comes from opium poppy farms in SW Asia (the “Golden Crescent,” primarily Afghanistan and Pakistan), SE Asia (the “Golden Triangle,” primarily in Myanmar), and Latin American (primarily Colombia). Heroin trafficking is heavy worldwide. According to U.N. sponsored survey, as of 2004, Afghanistan accounted for production of 87 percent of the world's heroin. Freebasing involves the conversion of cocaine hydrochloride into cocaine sulfate that is "free" of the additives and nearly 100% pure. It is not water soluble and has a low melting point, so it can be smoked. Those who choose to create freebase cocaine run the risk of being burned by the conversion process because a highly volatile solvent, such as ether, is being used. Ecstasy-related emergency room incidents increased nationwide from 250 in 1994, to 637 in 1997, to 1,142 in 1998, to 2,850 in 1999. A pregnant woman who uses heroin should not attempt to suddenly stop taking the drug. This can put her baby at increased risk of death. She should consult a health care provider or drug treatment center about treatment with a drug called methadone. Although infants born to mothers taking methadone also have withdrawal symptoms, they can be safely treated in the nursery and generally do better than babies born to women who continue to use heroin. |
