Heroin is a drug that is produced from morphine. Most heroin comes in the form of a powder, and it can be snorted, injected and smoked. Heroin is extremely addictive and can easily trigger an overdose.1
Heroin is closely related to prescription opioid drugs that are commonly prescribed for pain. Opioids have grown in popularity in recent decades, and therefore, so has heroin use. Often when patients become addicted to opioids, their addiction often spreads to heroin.
The heroin problem in the United States and around the world continues to be a threat to people of all races, religions and socio-economic groups. Drug rehab facilities provide a host of recovery opportunities for these individuals, but because of the prevalence of heroin addiction, more must be done.
The follow facts show the depth of the heroin addiction problem we are currently facing and what we can do to help people fight the battle for their sobriety and health.
Facts and Statistics About Heroin Addiction
- In the young adult population (18-25 years old), heroin use doubled between 2002 and 2013.
- In the same time frame, heroin-related overdose deaths increased by a factor of four.
- Forty-five percent of heroin users are also addicted to opioid pain killers.
- Almost all people surveyed in 2013 who were addicted to heroin were addicted to another drug, and most were addicted to at least three other drugs.2
- Approximately 681,000 people used heroin in 2013, 169,000 for the first time.
- More people had used heroin in the past month and year of survey in 2013 than in 2002.3
Although the trends in heroin addiction are disturbing, there are ways to help decrease prevalence within communities, including the following:
- Prevent – One way to help prevent people from trying heroin and becoming addicted is by advocating for better programs to keep opioid users and prescribers accountable to ethical practices. Educating medical professional to help identify people who may be at a higher risk for opioid addiction is another prevention intervention.
- Reduce – Advocating for better access to treatment programs who are licensed to help heroin addicts in the withdrawal and healing processes with medications like methadone and buprenorphine will enable more addicted people to receive help to quit their addictions.
- Reverse – Naloxone is a drug that can help reverse the effects of heroin overdoses and thus save lives. By supporting efforts to make naloxone more readily available, we can help prevent deaths and enable more addicts to receive long-lasting treatment.4
Getting Help for Those With a Heroin Addiction
The most effective treatment for those with a heroin addiction is a qualified drug rehab program. Addiction treatment programs that understand the needs of those with an opiate addiction are best suited to help treat both the physical and psychological addiction to heroin. This is accomplished through three core elements of the treatment process: detox (treating the physical addiction), counseling (addressing the psychological component of heroin addiction) and aftercare (which prepares the individual for life after the rehab program is complete). It is through these components that individuals are given a chance to break the cycle of heroin addiction and master the tools needed to live a clean and sober life.
Michael’s House is a residential addiction treatment center located in Palm Springs, California. The respected treatment professionals at Michael’s House understand the special needs of those who are suffering from a heroin addiction, and they provide a holistic approach to drug rehab that uplifts the mind, body and spirit. Contact Michael’s House today at our 24 hour, toll-free to speak to a caring admissions coordinator for more information.
Sources
1 “Heroin.” NIDA. July 2017. Web. Accessed 13 August 2017.
2 “Today’s Heroin Epidemic.” CDC.7 July 2015.Web. Accessed 13 August 2017.
3 “Results from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings.” SAMHSA. September 2014.Web. Accessed 13 August 2017.
4 “Today’s Heroin Epidemic.” CDC7 July 2015.Web. Accessed 13 August 2017.
