North Carolina Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Practice Test

Heroin is classified as a semi-synthetic narcotic because it is derived from morphine, which is a natural substance obtained from the opium poppy plant. The process of converting morphine into heroin involves chemical modification, thus categorizing heroin as semi-synthetic. Semi-synthetic narcotics are created by chemically altering natural substances, and heroin is a prime example of this category because it retains some of the natural properties of morphine while also exhibiting distinct characteristics due to its chemical formulation. This classification is important for understanding the drug's effects, potential for addiction, and its legal status as a controlled substance.