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Heroin Overview

Heroin is one of the most addictive, devastating and widespread drugs illegally used in the United States. In a 2003 survey conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there are around 3.7 million people in the United States who have used heroin at some point of their lives. Additionally, of those 3.7 million people, nearly 120,000 of them said that they had used heroin within 30 days prior to the survey. Clearly, heroin is a problem and affects the lives of millions of people.

At The Canyon, we have the tools and knowledge to help you fight against heroin addiction in your life and in the lives of others around you. Through our unique programs and treatments, we can help addicts reclaim their lives and break free from addiction to heroin for good.

Heroin: The Basics

Heroin has a long history. Taken from poppy plants, it was originally developed as a replacement for morphine, gained great recognition for its supposed benefits without side effects. However, this adoration was short lived once it was discovered that the human body breaks heroin down into morphine once it enters the bloodstream. Physically, it is typically sold in a powered form, usually white or brown in color, and one extreme variation is a sticky black substance called black tar heroin. More often than not, heroin is diluted, or "cut" with other drugs, and sold on the street to people who unknowingly consume them. Because people who consume heroin do not know the purity level or what toxic chemicals may also be in their drugs, serious problems like overdose and poisoning can and do occur. Additionally, paraphernalia such as needles, that are used in injecting heroin, are a prime candidate for transmitting diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.

How Heroin is Used

Heroin is most commonly used by either injecting, snorting or smoking it. While injection provides the quickest onset of pleasurable feelings and euphoria, effects from smoking or snorting it can also be quite pleasurable and can last for several minutes. In many areas of the country, injection is quickly becoming the number one way that users take heroin, and smoking or snorting is dropping off. There has also been a change in the demographic of heroin addicts. Because the purity of heroin has risen while prices have dropped, more users have begun to try it out, including users who are wealthy.

Heroin: Who's Using It

Many people across the county use heroin. There were around 314,000 people who used it within the past year, and of those people the age group most identified with heroin use were people who were 26 and older. Heroin use among teens in the 8th, 10th and 12th grades have remained relatively stable, and over 280,000 people sought treatment for heroin-related addiction and abuse last year. Clearly, heroin use is a big problem, but there are some good signs that seem to indicate that more people are seeking treatment than previously did.

Heroin Rehab at The Canyon

If you or someone you love is suffering from heroin addiction or abuse, contact The Canyon at . We can help you or your loved one make a plan of action that will break the cycle of addiction and establish a new cycle of abstinence, self-control and dignity.