Model released. Heroin addiction: a young man in narcotic sleep after injecting himself with heroin. Heroin (diacetyl morphine) is an opiate narcotic analgesic drug. Its use induces stupor but leads to dependence & tolerance very quickly. Heroin is normally supplied as a white powder. This is melted and mixed with water before being injected. Prolonged use of heroin has a high risk of death. Tolerance leads to ever-higher doses being taken, often leading to fatal overdose, whilst the use and sharing of non-sterile needles can lead to infections such as hepatitis and AIDS. Withdrawal symptoms are severe in heroin users.