Anyone been to Columbus, Ohio lately? Let me tell you – it sure ain’t a mecca of tourism. Rampant drug abuse has created a metropolis in decline.
The heroin problem in Ohio is especially bad. According to www.mercurynews.com, Research is showing that kids as young as 13 are hooked on heroin. It is considered to be an inexpensive substitute for prescription medications. Hmm?
The drug’s supply and use is thought to be at epidemic levels. Ohio has struggled with soaring rates of addiction to prescription painkillers, with a record number of fatal overdoses in 2010.
A report showed that there were 338 deaths due to heroin overdose in Ohio in 2010. Heroin is responsible for 20% of the state’s overdose deaths.
So what is the answer? Perhaps they need to cut the supply of both heroin and prescription pain killers. Pain medications are a gateway drug to heroin. Less than 1% of heroin addicts claim that heroin was the first drug they experimented with.
Another government report finds heroin abuse on the rise nationally.
In Michigan, heroin trafficking and abuse are now nearly equal to cocaine sales and abuse. Michigan studies show that heroin is considered a cheaper alternative to prescription medications as well.
In Florida the exact opposite is true. Florida reports a decrease in heroin use as it has seen a huge increase in prescription painkiller abuse.
Heroin is a terrifying drug. If you, or someone you love uses heroin, please seek help immediately.