While interviewing parents who had lost a teenager to a drug overdose, these parents disclosed a pattern of drug abuse of epic proportions. 60 Minutes interviewed parents from an economic cross-section that included all areas of society. The teens lost to these families were among the leaders of their peer groups – high performers socially, academically and athletically. Several parents expressed the horror of losing a child that they didn’t even realize had been abusing drugs. However, they came together on national television to educate the public, in general, and other parents, specifically, of the epidemic use of drugs by our youth and the need for parents everywhere to become more greatly involved with their young children and teens.
Particular attention was placed on Ohio’s crisis-level use of heroin by young people of all ages. A record 2,482 Ohioans died from drug-related deaths in 2014, according to preliminary statistics from the Ohio Department of Health. Approximately half of those deaths involved heroin. It was discovered that addicts are turning to heroin, as a cheaper and more readily available alternative to prescription pain pills. This accelerated rate of consumption includes teen drug use, as they often find it as easy to procure heroin as marijuana.
Attorney General Mike DeWine told 60 Minutes’ correspondent, Bill Whittaker, that it’s the worst drug epidemic he’s seen in his lifetime. “Anybody watching today, this show – it could be your family, DeWine said in the interview. “There’s no typical person. It just has permeated every segment of society in Ohio.” Hannah Morris, a college student from the middle-class Columbus suburb of Worthington was featured during the telecast. She got addicted to heroin in high school after smoking it at parties. “And you’re like, I want that again . . . . A syringe; I would have it in my purse, all ready to go, “she said.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) is responsible for collecting information about heroin – its use, initiation, perceived risk and the perceived availability for using heroin. Questioning respondents who were 12 years or older about their use of heroin; they were asked how old they were when they first used it and when they last used it. They were also questioned about their need for substance abuse treatment and whether they actually received treatment at a recovery facility. While most young people questioned were classified as meeting the criteria for needing treatment; some had actually received treatment in the past year. NSDUH reached the conclusion that heroin use is uncommon; however the percentage of those accessing heroin has increased in 2013 over ten years prior. The number of those 12 years and older receiving treatment for heroin use was also higher in 2013 than a decade ago.
Whether you live in Ohio, or any other state in the Union; heroin availability is high and the need for treating our youth is in direct proportion. Should you fear use of heroin or any other drug by your child or teen-ager, call Lava Heights Academy to discuss available treatment options for your young person. With specific attention paid to the testimonies of parents from Ohio; know what your child is doing and be prepared to intervene for their safety and protection.
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Company Name: Lava Height Academy
Contact Person: Dane Shakespeare
Email: Dane@daneshakespeare.com
Phone: 888-837-3581
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City: Toquerville
State: Utah
Country: United States
Website: http://www.lavaheightsacademy.com/