Street heroin is widely varying and unpredictable in purity. This means that the user may prepare what they consider to be a moderate dose while actually taking far more than intended. If this occurs and the user takes a dose comparable to their previous use, the user may experience drug effects that are much greater than expected, potentially resulting in a dangerous overdose. 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. From 1898 through to 1910 heroin was marketed as a non-addictive morphine substitute and cough suppressant. Bayer marketed heroin as a cure for morphine addiction before it was discovered that heroin is rapidly metabolized into morphine, and as such, "heroin" was basically only a quicker acting form of morphine. The company was somewhat embarrassed by this new finding and it became a historical blunder for Bayer. On average, a heroin addict will spend anywhere from $100 - $200 to support their drug habit. | 
