Heroin, or diacetylmorphine, is a semi synthetic opiate made from morphine, which derives from opium, the dried milk of the opium poppy. In 1898, the synthetic drug began being sold as an over-the-counter cough suppressant and was highly recommended by doctors. However, the International Opium Convention in 1912 put an end to the misunderstanding of opium use, and the drug was restricted from legal distribution. Since then, we have seen a huge increase in the illegal use and activity of heroin use with numbers rising every day.

Heroin-related deaths have increased four times in a decade according to a new report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An epidemic of heroin usage has sprung in the United States and it is continuing to grow.

According to Gillian Mohney of abc News, between 2002 and 2013, the age range of 18 to 25 has seen a 109% jump in heroin use.

 

Over the years, many attempts have been made to diminish the number of heroin and opiate users. Since 2002, the rate of heroin addictions has doubled, and surprisingly demographic groups with low rates of addiction have also seen an increase in heroin use.

Unfortunately, it has been quite difficult to squash the use of heroin. However, it is still very important to make a stand, especially if you see present signs of heroin addiction in a loved one.

Signs and symptoms can include:

-        Shortness of breath

-        Dry mouth

-        Constricted small pupils

-        Sudden changes in behavior or actions

-        Lying or deceptive behavior

-        Avoiding eye contact

-        Increase in slurred speech

-        Decreased attention to hygiene and physical appearance

If some of these signs are present, in-home drug testing can be permitted for further evidence:

  • The Single-Panel Dip Opiate/Heroin drug test device tests specifically for opiate/heroin/morphine use and is a great cost effective & private alternative to lab testing.
  • The All-in-One T-cup urine test cup that tests for 14 different drugs that includes heroin/opiates/morphine and other heroin derivatives.
  • The 12-Panel Saliva test is an oral swab test device that tests for 12 different drugs without the need of urine samples.

 

In many cases, it would be best to contact a professional:

-        Marriage & Family Therapist

-        Sober living facility

-        Substance Abuse counselour

Check out Mohney’s full article here: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/heroin-related-deaths-quadruple-drug-epidemic-continues-impact/story?id=32285495