In a recent study, the State of Ohio reported that 2,482 people died from accidental drug overdoses in 2014, an 18 percent increase over the previous year. Abuse of the painkiller fentanyl, often combined with heroin or sometimes mistaken for it by addicts, is the significant contributor to the increase. Parents of teens lost to a heroin drug overdose speak out, warning other parents of the dangers their young adults may be facing. Many of the youth lost to drugs were students from stable families, with no apparent indicators that would lead a teen-ager to using this dreaded drug. However, due to increased and ready availability, teens are turning to this drug with disastrous results.
Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive opioid drug. An increase in heroin use has been recognized across the US among men and women of all age groups and income levels. As heroin use has increased, so have heroin-related overdose deaths. Between 2002 and 2013 the rate of deaths due to overdose on heroin nearly quadrupled. Heroin use more than doubled among young adults ages 18-25 in the past decade. Equally alarming, more than 45% of those who used heroin were also addicted to prescription opioid painkillers. With the help of qualified substance abuse treatment services, the use of these destructive and highly addictive drugs can be abated in teens and young adults.
While heroin use continues to be most common among young men between the ages of 18 and 25 who make less than $20,000, the CDC (Center for Drug Control) researchers note that in recent years, people in nearly every demographic group are using the drug more. For instance, heroin use has doubled among women and non-Hispanic white people. Those at high risk of addiction are noted as people who are currently addicted to prescription opioid painkillers, non-Hispanic white males, those addicted to cocaine, people who are addicted to marijuana and alcohol; young people aged 18 – 25 years, people living in large metropolitan areas.
With the rise in availability and a perception among teens and young people that this drug was no more dangerous than any other, parents should be on the alert for their child’s or young adult’s potential abuse and their well-being. Should your child or young person be addicted to this or any other substance, a qualified treatment facility with reliable treatment modalities is highly recommended.
Distributed by Client Initiatives
Media Contact
Company Name: Wilderness Treatment Center
Contact Person: Matthew Brekke
Email: wtc@wildernesstreatmentcenter.com
Phone: 406-854-2832
Address:200 Hubbart Dam Rd
City: Marion
State: Montana
Country: United States
Website: www.wildernesstreatmentcenter.com