When you think of heroin abuse, you probably think of a bad part of the city: Los Angeles or maybe New York. Chances are you consider heroin addicts to be strictly haggard adults who have struggled with drugs for years and years. You may need to rethink things, as heroin use soars for suburban teens, leaving parents distraught and worried.
Heroin Spreads to Young Americans—A Parent’s Worst Nightmare
Heroin has never prominently been a drug popular amongst teenagers, let alone suburban teens in happy families and considerably safe, wealthy communities. A recent story out of Chicago told of former Police Captain John Roberts’ tragic loss, illustrating an issue which is rampant yet little-known.
Roberts’ son recently died of a heroin overdose, shortly after he and his family made a move to the Chicago suburbs in an effort to live in a safer neighborhood. Roberts also told reporters he felt that suburban teens may be “clueless” compared to city kids who, through first-hand experience and observation, have learned that heroin is deadly. “The message never got out to the suburbs,” he says.
Teens seeking heroin drug rehab over the past 10 years has increased by 80%, about 90% of whom are Caucasian teens. In addition to this, there were about 198 adolescent deaths resulting from heroin abuse in 1999. In 2009, this number had shot up to 510.
Painkillers – The Bridge Between Teens And Heroin
While this is a shocking turn of events to witness in our safe suburban communities, it is easier understood when prescription painkillers are factored into the equation.
Teens pill popping for a high has emerged as a trend in all parts of America—cities and suburbs alike. Opioids, powerful pain relieving drugs, are considered by many to be a legal pill-form of heroin, equally as addictive and euphoric in its effects on a user. It’s nearly impossible today to bring up the issue of heroin addiction without also addressing the problem of pain pill abuse.
Parents are shocked as heroin use soars for suburban teens who, after no longer being able to keep up a pain drug habit, turn to the less expensive alternative. In Roberts’ case, his son Billy was first hooked on prescription painkillers before turning to heroin because it is cheaper and easier to get.
In this way, prescription pain relievers are seen to be a gateway drug for many.
Early Signs Of Heroin Or Painkiller Abuse
According to narcononhawaii.org watching for early signs of drug abuse can mean the difference between life and death—one misuse of a medication, or too much heroin, can take a life instantly.
Narconon reports that a heroin abuser will appear to be “dopey,” and may suddenly fall asleep. Other possible indicators are slurred speech, paled skin, obvious disorientation, needle marks on the neck or arms and unpredictable moodiness.
Oxycontin abuse may be slightly harder to spot because the high is not as intense. Withdrawal symptoms will still be present, however, and may manifest in the form of nausea, vomiting, muscle/bone pain, insomnia, depression, tiredness and excessive sweating.
For more information on this growing problem contact us today.