Heroin used to be a drug that was synonymous with poverty, crime, and destitution. Unfortunately, now heroin abuse is affecting American’s youth, more specifically suburban teenagers. State health departments across the country have been reporting rises in heroin use and overdoses in teens within the past few years. The Missouri Health Department saw an increase in heroin overdoses from 69 cases in 2007 to 244 cases in 2011. In addition, more than half of all heroin-associated deaths were between the ages of 15 and 35. In New Mexico, heroin has become the fastest growing drug problem, surpassing cocaine and meth. According to a local New Mexico news station, KRQE, Albuquerque drug dealers sell approximately $300,000 worth of heroin daily to kids and adults.
Teenagers Turning to Heroin
As new laws crack down on the distribution of prescription painkillers, individuals are seeking alternate drugs to satisfy their cravings. Opiate dependency can produce cravings that are very strong. Although heroin is extremely dangerous, many people will consider using the drug if they are not able to obtain pills. Heroin is also cheaper than opiate pharmaceuticals, making it an easier option for younger users.
Many narcotics officials found that often young heroin abusers are first introduced to the drug at local high school parties. In order to identify if a young adult is abusing opiates, be mindful of any change in their personality. For example, social withdrawal, lack of emotion, or decreased activity may indicate dependency. In addition, look for drug paraphernalia, including empty pharmaceutical bottles, burned aluminum foil, hypodermic syringes, or burned spoons. If you’re a parent and you’re concerned that your child may be abusing opiates, including prescription painkillers and heroin, it is very important to keep an open dialogue and discuss the dangers of these drugs with your children.
If you suspect you or someone you know may be experiencing dependency to opiates, or if you have questions about prescription painkillers or heroin, we urge you to contact your medical physicians. For more information on choosing an opiate detox program, please feel free to contact our office directly. Waismann Method® treatment is a safe and proven protocol for opiate dependency that utilizes the most advanced medical techniques available. The rapid opiate detoxification procedure is carried out in a full-service hospital in Southern California. The board-certified anesthesiologist places patients under deep sedation so they experience minimal conscious withdrawal or suffering.
