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History of Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction is a big problem in the United States, but it's had a long history here, too. To find out where it comes from, we must roll back the clock nearly a century, all the way back to the early 1900s when heroin was first developed in a laboratory. As heroin was introduced around the world, heroin addiction was quickly an issue, and the United States was no exception. Though heroin is not produced in this country, heroin addiction is a problem that continues to plague our society as much as any other country in the world.

At The Canyon, we provide drug, alcohol and substance abuse help and treatment to those who need it. If you or someone you love is suffering from heroin addiction, please contact us. We can help.

Heroin Addiction in the Early 1900s

Soon after heroin was first discovered, laws were put into effect that attempted to control the shipment and manufacturing of the drug. However, as with many laws created in this spirit, some people still wanted to sell heroin, so illegal trafficking started in earnest. At the onset, heroin was primarily imported from countries in which it was still legal into those countries, like the United States, where it was illegal. However, around the 1920s, heroin became illegal to manufacture in most of the developed world, yet those who were determined to profit off heroin addiction persevered and continued to create heroin and smuggle it along shipping routes and to the people who were addicted to the drug.

Heroin Addiction During War

During World War II, heroin trade was nearly eliminated due to the disruptions caused by fighting. The normal trade routes for heroin and opium had become disrupted in Japan and China, and it became more difficult for people to get heroin in and out of countries. Soon after the war, however, the Italian mafia seized the opportunity to create heroin labs, and set them up in Sicily. This trade from Sicily replaced the trade that had formerly come from China as the once-massive heroin exporter stopped nearly all production after the communists came to power.

Heroin Addiction After the World Wars

After World War II finished and up until around 1970, most of the opium that entered the United States came from Iran, until the U.S. and the UN forced Iran to start eradicating opium fields in their country. As Iran became less of a supplier, a so-called "Golden Triangle" opened up in Asia with opium fields and production facilities to create heroin en-masse. Other countries began to fill in the gaps left by the Iranians, including Turkey, Lebanon and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan in particular, production increased sharply during their war with the Soviets, which led to lower overall heroin prices on the world market. As these other countries increased their production, the once powerful Sicily cartels began to dwindle and increased law enforcement presence in Italy contributed to this decline. Heroin addiction in the United States, however, continued to thrive as Central and South American suppliers leaped to fill the gap in production.

Heroin Rehab at The Canyon

At The Canyon, we provide patients with a unique set of treatment and therapies that make up what we call the Healing Life Program. This program helps patients develop positive relationships with themselves, awaken an authentic relationship with their lives and rediscover their personal goals and dreams. With the help of certified and expertly-trained therapists and physicians, patients will be given the very best possible chance to turn their lives around, break free from their alcohol or drug addictions and regain the normal, healthy lifestyles. So, if you or someone you love is suffering from addiction, please call The Canyon.

Articles on Heroin Addiction

• Heroin Use and Pregnancy
• Signs of Heroin Addiction
• Heroin Addiction and Its Dangers
• Heroin Regulation and Control
• Heroin Overdose Dangers
• The Social Effects of Heroin Addiction
• History of Heroin Addiction
• Heroin Addiction Treatment Programs
• Heroin Addiction Affects the Family
• Heroin Addiction Treatment for Teens
• Heroin Today
• Heroin Addiction Treatment for Women
• Physical Effects of Heroin Addiction
• The History of Heroin
• Too Much Information on Heroin Use?
• Al Qaeda and Opium