Heroin – an Opioid that Can Destroy a Person

Opioids Across America

Opioids can be found all around the United States. Adolescents have a higher risk of becoming addicted to these opioids because of the environment they live in and the environment at home. These opioids can be obtained in many different forms around the world. There are a number of students able to obtain this drug easily; however, the effects are long-lasting and severe once addicted to heroin.

The Role of Environment in Opioid Addiction

The environment plays a significant role in what the future may hold for a person. Although this is not always the case, those who come from a lower class or those who are homeless are more likely to be addicted to opioids. Where someone lives might push them to use heroin because it is "cheaper and easier" to obtain instead of prescription opioids. Although the use of heroin can be seen across the United States and other countries, the countries with the higher percentage of consumption have certain attributes; for example, it is mostly found in "small suburban areas or large urban areas" (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2021). Another key attribute the environment plays into is that most people who use it are unemployed. Due to these factors, it leads to addiction not only in adults but in teens as well, which could lead to future problems.

The Misuse of Heroin

Heroin was created for misuse and has created dangerous addictions. Data from 2011 shows about 80 percent of people who used heroin first misused prescription opioids (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021). Opiates are used in the medical field to relieve pain, suppress coughs, and control diarrhea. Heroin does nothing to aid people medically; it was created for the "high." The "high" that comes with heroin appeals to teens across the country. The craving for the rush makes people return to the drug. Twenty percent of high school seniors say that they could get heroin at any time (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021). This means that a dangerous, addictive drug is at the fingertips of youth. The convenient accessibility can lead teens to use heroin once and possibly become addicts for life.

Health Implications for Teens

Teens who have access to heroin are more likely to face medical problems in the future. The use of heroin could result in complications like kidney or liver failure, bacterial infections in blood vessels and the heart, arthritis, lung issues, and a higher risk of HIV and AIDS, which are all possible effects that come along with the use of heroin (Foundation for a Drug-Free World, 2021). Underage kids who use heroin are harming their future. It’s addictive once it’s taken, and it’s all that’s on the mind until it’s obtained. Since teenagers aren’t fully developed, using heroin influences brain and physical development by damaging the nervous system. A single use of this drug impairs a critical part of the brain that’s responsible for decision-making. This creates a string of problems, the first being memory loss leading to learning development problems throughout the years. It is crucial to address this issue through education and community support to prevent further damage.

Conclusion: The Destructive Power of Heroin

Heroin is an opioid that can destroy a person once they become addicted. The environment in which a person lives may affect how they see the drug and how they use it to cope with the things they cannot control. It also influences how many adolescents can obtain this opioid, and many disregard the severe effects that follow shortly after this abuse. People find a fascination in using heroin to "forget" about many different events, current or past. However, that is not the case. Although some may not be in any position to achieve help, no one should be forced to suffer or struggle with a drug addiction. Comprehensive prevention strategies and accessible treatment options are essential in combating this crisis.

References

• Foundation for a Drug-Free World. (2021). The truth about heroin. Retrieved from https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/heroin.html
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Heroin Research Report: What is the scope of heroin use in the United States? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/scope-heroin-use-in-united-states
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Substance use and mental health issues among U.S.-born and non-U.S.-born Hispanic adults. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/substance-use-and-mental-health-issues-among-us-born-and-non-us-born-hispanic-adults