Are Heroin and Cocaine in the same family?

Image via WikipediaHeroin is a depressant drug, with the chemical name, (diacetylmorphine), also known as diamorphine, is a semi-synthetic opioid drug synthesized from morphine, a derivative of the opium poppy. As with other opioids, diacetylmorphine is used as both an analgesic and a recreational drug. Frequent and regular administration is associated with tolerance and physical dependence, which may develop into addiction.

Cocaine is a stimulant drug, with the chemical name, (benzoylmethylecgonine) which  is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant.The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic. Specifically, it is a serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine re-uptake inhibitor, which mediates functionality of these neurotransmitters as an exogenous catecholamine transporter ligand. Because of the way it affects the mesolimbic reward pathway, cocaine is addictive.

Drugs that are depressant in nature like Heroin, usually have a sedative type of effect, while drugs that are stimulants like Cocaine, cause rapid heartbeat, and hyperactivity. Both of these drugs are derived in part from natural plant sources, which just goes to show that just because something is "natural" does not mean it is safe. Some of the most deadly chemical compositions occur naturally.