Much of what is discussed under Prescription Opiates applies to heroin and vice-versa. SmartDrugPolicy will dedicate itself substantially to the heroin and prescription opiate crisis, so look forward to more coverage on the topic. To understand where we are with heroin today, it is critical to have some background of our history with morphine after the Civil War (see U.S. Civil War Vet’s Morphine Addiction) and China’s history with opium in the 19th century (see Opium Addiction in 19th China).