The heroin epidemic is sweeping the nation at an alarming rate.
Heroin addiction does not discriminate based on race, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, location, or any other characteristics. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that from “2002 through 2013, the rate of heroin-related overdose deaths nearly quadrupled.”
The CDC also states that 96% of heroin users use at least one other drug.
Many heroin users are people who were once addicted to prescription pain medication. The nature of addiction is that it eventually takes more of the substance to achieve a high. Sometimes heroin users are not even using to feel the effects but just to prevent sickness. Heroin withdrawal is intense and extremely uncomfortable. For many heroin users, it all started when prescription drugs lost their potency due to excessive use. The CDC confirms this by stating, “prescription opioid painkiller abuse or dependences was the strongest risk factor for heroin abuse or dependence; 45% of people who used heroin also abused or were dependent on prescription opioid painkillers in the past year.” This fact contributes greatly to the heroin epidemic enveloping the nation.
The DEA released the unclassified document, The National Heroin Threat Assessment Summary, in April 2015. Here it is reaffirmed that, “CPD (controlled prescription drug) abusers who begin using heroin do so chiefly because of price differences, but also because of availability…”
One of the many problems in the heroin epidemic is that people are unaware of what they are buying. Desperation can lead people to using whatever is given to them. Heroin is being laced with other drugs or substances, which is leading to an increase in overdoses. There is no way of knowing exactly what is in the batch of heroin purchased, and more than likely the person dealing it is not going to give a detailed list of ingredients. The war on heroin begins with more stringent laws for prescription opioids, as well as more understanding and education concerning addiction. Fortunately, there are facilities with amazing treatment options who understand heroin addiction and can help you get your life back. If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to heroin, seek professional help where you can safely detox, gain back self-confidence, and learn to live life without having to use.
If you or someone you love is looking for alcohol treatment in Texas, contact Great Oaks Recovery Center anytime at (877) 977-3268. We can help.
References
Today’s Heroin Epidemic. Centers for Disease Control. July 2015. Retrieved October 2016.
The National Heroin Threat Assessment Summary. Drug Enforcement Administration. April 2015. Retrieved October 2016.
