WHO USES HEROIN? - It is estimated that 13.5 million people in the world use opioids - including 9.2 million people who use heroin. - In 2007, The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported 153,000 heroin users just in the United States: 9.5% of those users are 12-17 years old. - Heroin accounts for 18% of all admissions for drug/alcohol treatment in the U.S. - Heroin is involved in 4/5 drug related deaths in Europe, according to the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction.
WHY DO YOUNG PEOPLE USE HEROIN? - 55% of teenage users admitted they started using due to peer pressure; common lines used to allure the teens in were: "It will help you out." "It will make you look cool." "Heroin will help you fit in." - The Heroin "Look" (blank expression, waxy complexion, dark circles under the eyes, sunken cheeks, excessive thinness, greasy hair) has been promoted by popular magazines and fashion circles. - Dealers will tell a possible customer anything to make a sale, former dealers have even been quoted saying customers were a "pawn in a chess game."
HOW DOES HEROIN EFFECT MIND AND BODY OF USERS? Short Term Effects:
> “Rush”
> Slowed breathing
> Clouded mental functioning
> Nausea and vomiting
> Sedation; drowsiness
> Hypothermia (body temperature lower than normal)
> Coma or death (due to overdose)
Long Term Effects:
> Bad teeth
> Inflammation of the gums
> Constipation
> Cold sweats
> Itching
> Weakening of the immune system
> Coma
> Respiratory (breathing) illnesses
> Muscular weakness, partial paralysis
> Reduced sexual capacity and long-term impotence in men