It terrifies me that heroin is becoming so popular. Anyone who knows anything about the drug would just about sell their soul to keep from becoming addicted. This is not a drug to experiment with. Few, if any, ever make it out unscarred.
Despite ruining the lives of addicts, heroin addiction ruins the life of everyone in the nearby and not-so-nearby neighborhoods. There are more burglaries so addicts can support their habits and heavier demands on health, welfare and law enforcement services. Novice users are more likely to share needles, leading to an expected increase in infections like H.I.V. and hepatitis C. As reported in www.nytimes.com.
Maine is the first state that has limited access to specific medications, including buprenorphine and methadone, that have been proven to be effective in treating addiction, a step taken to save money. This is similar to the clinics in England.
Emergency personnel are often first-responders in the case of overdose. They have seen an increase from two to three overdose deaths per week to three or four per day!
If you or someone you care about uses heroin, please seek help immediately. A drug class is a good place to start. If you prefer to maintain anonymity, there are online drug programs too.