FACT SHEET: Heroin usage and related deaths are on the rise in a big way across the US, according to a report released today.
During the past decade, heroin use has increased across the United States among men and women, most age groups, and all income levels, with some of the greatest increases occurring in demographic groups that have had historically lower rates of heroin use, according to a new Vital Signs report.
The following are findings from the report.
A wider variety of people are using heroin.
Rates remained highest among males, 18–25 year olds, people with annual incomes less than $20,000, people living in urban areas, and people with no health insurance or those enrolled in Medicaid. However, rates increased significantly across almost all study groups. They doubled among women and more than doubled among non-Hispanic whites.
It is common for people who use heroin to use other drugs.
Nearly all (96 percent) people who reported heroin use also reported using at least one other drug in the past year. More than half (61 percent) used at least three other drugs. Prescription opioid painkiller abuse or dependences was the strongest risk factor for heroin abuse or dependence; 45% of people who used heroin also abused or were dependent on prescription opioid painkillers in the past year.
As heroin abuse or dependence increased, so have heroin-related overdose deaths.
From 2002 through 2013, the rate of heroin-related overdose deaths nearly quadrupled.
[TLS]
The only person who can save yourself is you. People, places and things. I’ve lost to many friends and almost myself for what? Just remember the old you and who you used to be. Celebrating 7yrs this October and don’t know or associate with anyone involved in this scourge anymore.