Did you know that heroin use in the United States has been gradually increasing since 2006? According to statistics from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 669,000 people came forward to admit to past heroin use (2012). Even more disturbing, this increase mostly took place among teens and young adults from 18 to 25 years of age. (Keep in mind that the popularity of heroin has significantly dropped in high schools and is still at a record low.) So, what exactly is the severity of heroin addiction and dependency in the United States? Let’s take a closer look at the situation and find out more information.
Soaring Levels of Heroin
Overall, the numbers do not look promising for the United States. In 1998, the NSDUH reported the emergence of 81,000 new heroin users, and that number only increased to 90,000 at the turn of 2006. However, at the turn of 2012, the number of first-time heroin users skyrocketed to 156,000, which is considered dangerously high by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Even more disturbing, from 2002 to 2012, the number of people who suffered from heroin dependence boosted from 214,000 to 467,000.
As stated earlier, the rate among high school students has dropped, but rates of marijuana among this demographic have (unfortunately) increased since the results of this past study.
A Cause for Concern
As you may already have guessed, heroin consumption typically takes place in urban locations across the United States, but members of communities in rural and suburban areas have also confirmed an increase in heroin-related overdose deaths. At this time, heroin use has continued to increase in urban locations, particularly among 18 to 25-year old young adults (11% in 2008 to 26% in 2012).
At the time when the new results of the NSDUH study are released, officials have projected that the number of heroin users in the United States will have continued to grow.
Seeking Treatment for Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a dangerous drug that has claimed thousands of lives in the past year alone, but (always remember) drugs do not have control over your life. Only you can determine your future. If you are suffering from heroin addiction or are seeking help for a family member or friend who is battling this dangerous illness, reach out to us at Asana Recovery today. Our team of trained, experienced counselors and healthcare experts will guide you along the difficulty, painful path of detox, withdrawal, and rehabilitation. Although the road to recovery is not always a happy or painless one, you will find fulfillment in the end. The time for you to take back control of your life is now.
If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs and require the help of a trained professional counselor, we are ready and waiting to speak with you about your treatment options today. Call Asana at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to you can take back control and battle your drug addiction.
