Heroin’s crippling grasp has spread nationwide, effecting every city and suburb in the United States. Approximately 125 Americans every day die from heroin overdoses. [1] Statistics such as these have prompted a rapid inquiry by researchers, physicians, and countless others into learning more about heroin’s ripple effect and why so many individuals are succumbing to its powerful clutch. They have also sparked conversations and discussions on how a variety of factors have led to such widespread, chronic usage of the drug.
Over 125 Americans every day die from heroin overdoses – The New York Times recently published an article discussing how and why the heroin epidemic continues to spread so rapidly. The article states that in 2014, over 47,000 deaths were attributed to the lethal substance. Specifically, over the past five years, what was a drug once primarily relegated to large metropolitan areas has now spread to rural communities as well. Researchers are comparing the epidemic to that of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which ran rampant in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Since heroin first became a widespread issue throughout the country, researchers and physicians concluded that prescription painkillers were the gateway to heroin usage. Many times due to an injury, doctors prescribe pain pills, such as Vicodin and OxyContin, to individuals. With more use, higher tolerance is developed and people become addicted. Once their prescription runs out, a cheaper, more affordable and powerful substitute is heroin. [2]
STATEWIDE TRENDS
Although no state is immune to heroin’s hold, areas in the Southwest and Appalachia have become hotbeds for addiction and substance abuse with high overdose rates. Some states included in the umbrella term of Appalachia are Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina.
The New York Times’ article conveys that the job market specifically within the Appalachian area mainly consists of blue-collar positions. Workers in these types of positions are usually more prone to on the job injuries, which may lead to a prescription for painkillers. This then potentially leads to heroin addiction.
The article states that in New Mexico, high rates of heroin addiction are prevalent; however, this is due to different factors than that of Appalachia. New Mexico has experienced widespread use of heroin due to its generational trends. In New Mexico, many residents’ parents or grandparents were or currently are heroin users. In this case, many generations are “passing down” their addiction to younger family members. Their influence and chronic usage allow younger and impressionable generations to believe that using heroin or abusing any type of substance is acceptable.
Researchers, advocates, and physicians alike are all in agreeance that prescription pills are a gateway for heroin usage. Oxycodone, marketed as OxyContin, is one of the most addictive opioids available. Once individuals become hooked on this substance, many times they graduate to abusing heroin. [3]
A GATEWAY
The New York Times illustrates that OxyContin production has steadily increased over the past decade. In 1990, approximately two tons of the substance was produced, while 135 tons were produced in 2009. Between 2012 and 2013, heroin-related deaths rose 39 percent.
With three out of four heroin addicts admitting that they began using prescription painkillers before heroin, many can conclude that these prescription opioids lead users down a dangerous pathway. [4]
Decades ago, when asked to imagine a heroin user, individuals would most likely think of men in their mid-20s, from a low-income family, living in an inner-city neighborhood. Now, due to the widespread epidemic, even the most well-adjusted people can be addicts. Recent articles claim that white, suburban women are now among the largest demographics abusing the substance. [5]
No one is immune to heroin’s addictiveness
Use has become so widespread, that a multitude of celebrities have opened up about their heroin addiction and how they achieved a life of sobriety. Robert Downey Jr., Angelina Jolie, Eric Clapton, and Samuel L. Jackson have all admitted to heroin usage and the hell that surrounded them while they were struggling with addiction. [6] These firsthand accounts and countless research show that no one is immune to heroin’s addictiveness.
LEGISLATION
To help in counteracting the epidemic, President Barack Obama has signed legislation aiding those addicted to opioids. Other bills that have been passed including ones protecting infants born to drug-dependent mothers and allowing officers, good Samaritans, and first responders to carry Naxolone, an antidote for heroin overdoses. Many strides continue to be made in order to assist those affected by opioid abuse.
SIDE EFFECTS
Heroin has been around for centuries. Since 3400 B.C., Mesopotamians have harvested the poppy plant (Papaver Somniferum) commonly known as the opium poppy, from which heroin is derived. They even dubbed the plant the “joy plant.” [7] It can be ingested, snorted or injected and is usually in the form of fine, white powder, however, depending on what additives have been added to dilute the substance, heroin can also look grey or brown as well. [8] There are a variety of short-term effects that are associated with heroin usage, these include:
- Dry Mouth
- Slowed Breathing
- Clouded Mental Function
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hypothermia
Some long-term effects can be:
- Collapsed veins
- Infection of The Heart Lining and Valves
- Abscesses
- Liver and Kidney Disease
- Respiratory Illness
- Muscle Weakness
- Memory Loss
- Contracting of Hepatitis B and C as well as HIV
- Coma
- Death
DEFEATING ADDICTION
Don’t be another statistic.
Heroin is one of the most lethal substances in the world. Just one use can hook someone and cause a lifetime of avoidable problems. Don’t be another statistic. Receive treatment, in order to combat addiction.
Seaside Palm Beach is an all-inclusive luxury addiction rehabilitation treatment facility. Offering cutting-edge and state-of-the-art addiction therapies, Seaside Palm Beach boasts industry-high success rates for its patients.
Our organization focuses on the patient as a whole. Our comprehensive holistic approach to treatment aids in healing an addict’s whole mind, body and soul. With onsite medical detox, specialized therapies and a compassionate staff of doctors and nurses, Seaside Palm Beach offers a unique approach to rehabilitation. Don’t allow heroin to continue to control your life. To learn more about our facility and how you can achieve sobriety, please call: (888) 997-3274.
