Teen Heroin Use

Only 71% of teenagers disapprove of legalizing the private use of heroin. Alarmingly, the rest of them are not seeing the dangers of this highly addictive substance. Heroin destroys lives, poses health risks, and can eventually lead to death. It is known as a “hard drug” to most people, but more and more teens seem to believe that heroin use isn't going to kill them. Unfortunately, statistics are showing an increase in the number of teens using harder drugs. Heroin is being sold and used inside the walls of our U.S. high schools.

Heroin appears as a fine powder, ranging in color from light brown to almost black. In it's purest form, it can also appear white, resembling powdered sugar. The most common method of using heroin is by injection. However, due to an increase in the purity of our nation's heroin supply, snorting the drug or smoking it are also becoming popular methods of use. Many teens believe that heroin is not dangerous or that it is “safer” when it is used this way.

Warning signs of teen heroin use include track marks, or puncture wounds on the inside of the arm, and the presence of paraphernalia such as needles. However, the biggest sign of drug use is a dramatic change in a person's life. Teens may start to struggle academically, hang out with a new set of friends, withdrawal from family and other responsibilities, and neglect hygiene. Additional signs of heroin use include a runny nose, slurred speech, and loss of motivation.

Teen heroin use is often preceded by the abuse of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco. Also, it is not uncommon for a teen who becomes addicted to prescription pain killers to later switch to heroin. These two drugs are similar in composition. Recent studies suggest that as many as 1.3% of all high school students have used heroin at some point in time.

If your teen or someone you know is using heroin, seek medical attention immediately. It is highly addictive. Plus, the detoxification associated with heroin is extremely unpleasant. Heroin withdrawal is easier when it occurs under the care of a physician who can prescribe medications for the symptoms. Plus, extensive behavioral therapy will need to take place in order to discourage future drug use or break the cycle of addiction.