It has been all over the news in recent months, “Prescription drug and heroin use is skyrocketing, around the country.” The rising epidemic of painkiller use has been attributed to many factors including over-prescribing by physicians, an increase in illegal sales of painkillers, and a popular opinion that prescription drugs aren’t dangerous “hard drugs,” like heroin or cocaine.
How Painkillers Are Similar To Heroin
The truth of the matter is that these prescription painkillers are opiates, just the same as heroin, methadone, morphine, and other highly addictive drugs. Even in cases where the painkillers are being prescribed for legitimate medical reason, the patient can become addicted to the drugs just as quickly as those users of illicit drugs.
Quick And Unexpected Heroin Addiction
One of the most frightening trends of addiction to opiates that has been seen recently, is the large number of painkiller addicts that are becoming addicted to heroin. In many cases these heroin addicts were formerly addicted to painkillers such as oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet, or other prescription drugs; and some were using it legally and legitimately for medical issues. A great many of these addicted individuals never even considered using heroin in their lifetime, but ended up with an addiction to heroin anyway.
What happens to these prescription drug addicts is that their addiction to the painkillers is so strong, that they will start going through the severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms that are often seen in heroin withdrawals. These withdrawals are so severe and agonizing to the addict, that if they cannot find prescription drugs to make the agony go away, heroin becomes an available drug that may take the withdrawals away. It is in this moment, that an addict uses heroin for the first time, and often can become addicted to the heroin form of opium after the first use. Professional and safe detox is then required to safely get you off of the drug.
Dangerous Trends With Drug Dealers
Law enforcement around the country has even seen a trend in-which drug dealers are intentionally getting teens and young adults addicted to painkillers, only to take away the painkillers and offer heroin instead, trying to force addictions on their customers that keeps them coming back for more.
All of the trends surrounding addicts transferring addictions are quite scary, and the rates are rising at an alarming rate. Law enforcement is not sure how to combat these rising rates, but are looking towards drug rehab, counseling, and more readily-available addiction help as proactive approaches to help combat this rising epidemic.
Treatment For Addiction
If you or a loved one need to detox from opiates contact New Beginnings Recover Center now at 888-840-5189. We are here to get you on the right path to happiness and freedom from addiction!
