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Heroin abuse is a growing epidemic in the United States. SInce 2001 the number of deaths by Heroin overdose have continued to rise at a drastic level. In 2014 more than 10,000 men and 2,000 women died from heroin overdose according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

The effects of Heroin

Heroin is a highly addictive drug, taking no time for a user to develop a dependency. Users are drawn to the drug for its euphoric, numbing effects. It is commonly snorted in powder form or liquified and injected directly into the vein for immediate effects.

Developing a Dependency to Heroin

Prolonged use of the drug results in the brain developing a dependency, unable to function without its effects. When the effects of the drug begin to wear off the individual will begin to experience uncomfortable, even painful symptoms of withdrawal. As quick as the withdrawal begins, a heroin addict will do whatever they can to get their next fix.

Increased Doses Heightens the Risk of Overdose

Regular heroin abusers will develop a tolerance to the drug, requiring larger doses to achieve the desired effects. This makes a dangerous drug even more dangerous. Increases doses of heroin can easily lead to an overdose, resulting in death more times than not. According to the CDC found in 2013, of the 43,982 deaths due to drug poisoning, 81% were unintentional – while 12% were intentional suicides and 6% were of undetermined intent.

Just How Deadly is Heroin?

Heroin has the third most frequent drug related emergency visit with reports showing 258,482 emergency department visits related to heroin use in 2011. In more recent years, there was over 50,000 drug related overdoses in 2014, heroin accounting for 61% of those. With a death rate steadily increasing since 2001, it is clear that Heroin is one of the most deadly illicit drugs in the United States today.

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