Heroin is a highly addictive opiate that is among the most commonly abused drugs in the United States. Heroin is synthesized from morphine, a substance extracted from the Asian opium poppy plant. Heroin, generally a white or brown powder, can be injected, smoked or snorted. In addition to the many dangerous side effect associated with heroin abuse, the use of needles brings with it the risk of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
As with other opiates, regular heroin use causes tolerance and dependence. Tolerance refers to the brain and body “getting used to” the effects of the drug so that higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. Over time, the cycle of dangerous increases in dose and regularity of use can lead to overdose and death.
It is estimated that about 25% of individuals who use heroin become dependent on it. The upside, though, of rising incidence of heroin addiction is that it is typically accompanied by a rise in the availability of treatment. Also, the more aware our society becomes of heroin abuse as an issue, the weaker the stigma of drug rehab becomes, meaning that people feel more comfortable coming forward, admitting that they struggle with heroin addiction and getting help.
Heroin Addiction and Rehabilitation Statistics
The National Institute on Drug Abuse, citing the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, reports that the number of current (within the past month) heroin users aged 12 or older in the United States increased from 153,000 in 2007 to 213,000 in 2008. They also report that in 2008 there were 114,000 first-time heroin users aged 12 or older.
The rise in awareness about heroin abuse has brought about progress with regards to treatment. Most heroin addiction treatment involves a stay at an inpatient treatment facility. This allows the patient to get away from the stresses of life and the circumstances that are likely to have contributed to addiction in the first place. Currently, heroin rehab success rates are at around 65-70%. Many people around the country are taking back their lives and seeking addiction treatment. If you struggle with addiction, you are not alone. Many have been where you are and are taking the steps toward recovery. Join them.
Find Heroin Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one struggles with heroin addiction, we want to help. The movement of people coming out in public with their addiction struggles and getting the help and treatment they need is growing. By calling our toll-free, 24 hour helpline you can be among them. Trained addiction counselors are waiting to take your call and assist you in finding the treatment program that’s right for you. Recovery takes the courage and initiative to get help. Call now and start recovering today.
