What type of narcotic is heroin classified as?

Heroin is classified as a semi-synthetic narcotic because it is derived from morphine, which is a naturally occurring substance extracted from the opium poppy. The process of creating heroin involves chemical modifications to morphine, making it semi-synthetic in nature. This classification highlights the combination of natural and synthetic elements in its production. Semi-synthetic narcotics are typically created to enhance the potency of naturally occurring drugs or to modify their chemical structure for various therapeutic and non-therapeutic uses. Understanding this classification is important in the context of substance use treatment and regulation.