Heroin Addiction The United States - 1743 Words

Heroin Addiction in the United States Overview of Heroin Addiction in the U.S. Heroin addiction is one of the leading killers of adolescents and adults in the United States. In recent years, addiction has skyrocketed, and â€Å"the rate of heroin-related overdose deaths increased by 286 percent between 2002 and 2013.† In 2002, â€Å"100 people per 100,000 were addicted to heroin, and that number has doubled by 2013† (The National Institute on Drug Abuse 2013). The most affected populations include low income males, adolescents, and those who have a family history of addiction, due to their increased susceptibility and crime-ridden environment. While it may seem as though heroin addiction is â€Å"just another drug problem† in the U.S., it is actually a problem of major public health importance because there are numerous physical, economic, and social risks associated with heroin dependence. Heroin dependence in the United States accounts for brain damage, increased homelessness, crime, and incarceration rates, as well as economic decline. History of Heroin in the U.S. Heroin was initially created by Charles Wright in 1874 to combat Morphine addiction amongst Civil War soldiers. The commercial production of heroin began in 1898, by the Bayer Pharmaceutical Company, and their â€Å"sales pitch† persuaded people that Heroin was a â€Å"safe, non-addictive† substitute for morphine, therefore, gaining popularity amongst healthcare professionals and their morphine addicted patients. As a result, numerousShow MoreRelatedHeroin Drug Use And Its Effects On The United States951 Words   |  4 PagesHeroin is an addictive, illegal opioid painkiller derived from morphine. This analgesic drug produces stress-relieving effects along with a sense of euphoria. Addiction to heroin generally begins as an addiction to another substance: marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, or prescription painkillers. Overdose on heroin can cause many complications including coma and death. This risk is commonly increased by combining heroin with alcohol or by cutting it in w ith other drugs. Injection of heroin also puts oneRead MoreAddiction Is Overpowering Sobriety At A Scary Rate1348 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"devil’s drug†, heroin in today’s society holds responsibility as one of the top killers next to murder, suicide, and car accidents. From 2002 to 2013, the number of deaths by heroin has quadrupled. In 2007, approximately 2,000 lives were taking by heroin, and these numbers increased to 8,000 by 2013. Heroin has affected thousands of people lives and killed many at an alarming rate; it now holds a spot as an epidemic in the United States. In a poem by an anonymous author, the effects of heroin are describedRead MoreHeroin Addiction And Its Effects On Today s Society1302 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"devil’s drug†, heroin in today’s society holds responsibility as one of the top killers next to murder, suicide, and car accidents. From 2002 to 2013, the number of deaths by heroin has quadrupled. In 2007, ap proximately 2,000 lives were taking by heroin, and these numbers increased to 8,000 by 2013. Heroin has affected thousands of people lives and killed many at an alarming rate; it now holds a spot as an epidemic in the United States. In a poem by an anonymous author, the effects of heroin are describedRead MoreHeroin As A Drug Free World1632 Words   |  7 PagesIt is estimated that 9.2 million people in the world currently are addicted to heroin. In 2007, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported 153,000 current heroin users in the United States. (Foundation for a Drug-Free World, 2017). 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Often times, young adults have a greater risk of ad diction when they become older and the addiction can transfer to adulthood. There are many way to prevent drug use and addiction amongst teenagers. However, if they do not seek help, the problem will continue. Drug use can prevent an individual from achieving goals society has set and increase the likelihood thatRead MoreEssay on Heroin1631 Words   |  7 PagesHeroin Heroin, a powerful narcotic, acts upon the brain as a painkiller, increasing physical addiction and ongoing emotional dependence (Schaffer Library of#8230;). Heroin has many challenging and highly risky effects on the user, all the more hazardous if overdosing is present. This extremely dangerous drug, heroin, will never cease being used, but may cease the existence of an individual. Heroin is a painkilling drug that is made from the Papaverum Somniferum, also known as the opium