Heroin abuse is a problem that is seen around the globe, and few countries have not experienced a rise in this activity. Heroin is a drug that is created from morphine using synthesis, and it originates in the opium poppy. Heroin abuse may take the form of snorting the white or brown powder, or the drug can be dissolved in a small amount of water and then injected into a vein. Black tar heroin is a form of the drug that has a sticky appearance and that is black in color. Did you know that:
- More than 9 million people in the world currently struggle with heroin abuse
- More than 90% of the heroin found around the globe comes from Afghanistan
- Close to 1 million people in North America have a problem with heroin abuse
- In Europe roughly 80% of drug related deaths are caused by heroin abuse
- Roughly 20% of individuals who require substance abuse treatment need this treatment because they abuse heroin
- Opiate pain medications are often abused, and this can lead to heroin addiction
- In many cases of heroin abuse the individual switched from prescription drug abuse to heroin use because the heroin is less expensive and easier to find on the street
If you or someone you know needs help for heroin abuse then the right substance abuse treatment program is essential. Heroin use can be deadly, and many people accidentally overdose and end up in local emergency rooms or even morgues. Heroin may be cut by the drug trafficker, and it is not produced according to specific quality control parameters. When a stronger strain of the drug hits the street this can cause overdose deaths to rise.
