Have you heard about the HEROIN EPIDEMIC ?



                                               


For this activity I decided to research the drug Heroin because I heard that this drug can have dangerous side effects. I think that it would be a great idea to learn about the different ways in which heroin can affect the average individual. When I google searched "Heroin epidemic" I received about 974,000 results.  

There are a few common themes emphasized about the heroin epidemic in the five articles that I read. One major themes was the influx of heroin users over the recent years. According to the DEA, "heroin addiction is probably at its all time high" (BBC News, 2014). Many believe that this surge in heroin abuse is due to the recent "war against prescription drug use", which was another regular topic in the pieces that I read (Delaware online, 2014). Authorities have cracked down on medical centers in their regulations on prescription drugs. Due to this fact, many are believed to be finding cheaper, and stronger ways to find the high that they got of the prescription drugs.  Another theme brought up through the articles was the amount of deaths occurring each year from heroin overdose. The St. Augustine Times points out that in 2011, "the Florida Department of Law Enforcement flagged heroin as one of the year’s most harmful drugs" (2013). Not many are aware of the extent to which heroin abuse is in the country. Many young individuals are using and becoming addicted, and there are not enough treatment facilities to house those who need help (The Atlantic, 2014). The main theme in the medical related articles was the overload of patient care in treatment facilities. There are addicts who want help, "to expect someone with a brain illness to manage their own life and do it on their own is an unrealistic expectation" (Healthline, 2014). We need to recognize and help those around who cannot help themselves. 

 

I do believe that these themes are valid in regards to heroin. I also think that heroin has become a huge problem that has increase in the recent years. It affects all age groups and is very harmful to the individuals who are using it. There is a wide spread abuse, occurring all over the nation as pointed out in the articles that I read. Each state has it's own concerns and are planning ways to reduce the uses of heroin. Thus, I believe that it is an epidemic because it is wide spread and happening in current time. I think that media calls them epidemics because they are wide spread and are dangerous. It is affecting most if not all individuals in society and needs to be addressed for its severity. Heroin epidemic is related to class because we could use the classifications learned in class to call heroin a drug. We are studying drugs and its effects on individuals in society. By reading about heroin, we can see what schedule it falls under, if it is legal or illegal. We could also learn about the side effects and symptoms of the drug, along with its particular use. For example, medical or recreational. The information I found goes more in depth about one particular drug, and states the different views of society. 

"Through a Blue Lens"...Could this be you???

 

                                    

The Downtown Eastside of Vancouver is a place that I have never seen before. The video "Through a Blue Lens" depicts the lives of individuals who have become addicted to drugs. Most of the individuals shown in the video lives on the streets, in rooming houses or single occupancy. The area is run down, trashed with used needles and has crime occurring on a regular basis. There are signs of drug deals occurring in the middle of the day. The cops in the video points out that they have become more understanding and accepting of this type of behavior from the time they entered law enforcement to many years later. They have realized that they are "like a blue tide," moving through the lanes and alley ways flushing out addicts, who go right back five minutes later. The police actions are like ocean tides because they constantly go into this part of town and try to help these individuals but the end up seeing the same person there every time. It is their job and duty to try to help in what ever way possible. These people are plagued by a disease called addiction. There is no one cure to this disease, it is solely up to the individual to personally want to get help and go through the pain of letting go of their addiction.  

                                    
Most of the addicts in the video when asked, say that they want to quit and become clean. Many have tried and have been to treatment centers, but have not lasted. Their addiction got the best of them. If I were to become the police chief in the Downtown Eastside I would try to provide counseling  and one on one plans for those who truly want to get better and turn their lives around. I would also provide workshops to educate and inspire them to fight and beat their addiction. I think that these addicts need a meal plan and temporary shelter to get food so that they are not on the streets begging.  I would also try to get rid of the drug dealers who provide these individuals with these harmful drugs. I think that it is also important to provide a medical program that responds to these addicts when they are having harsh symptoms and side effects of using these drugs.  I think that these individuals need to be surrounded by others who genuinely care about their well being. It is our duty to help!!!

 

Just a little about myself....

Hello, my name is Lolita Basdeo. I was born and grew up in Trinidad and Tobago. I spent eleven years of my life there before I moved to the United States in 2006. My family and I have been living in Orlando, Florida since then because it is the only state that has similar climate conditions. I am very family oriented and hold my traditional values close to my heart. I am the youngest of six children and I think is pretty unique and interesting.
   

I am currently 19 years old, and a sophomore here at University of Florida. I have always been interested in law, equality, and justice, so I am pursing a major in Criminology and Law. This interest became grounded because my father owned a restaurant and bar in Trinidad which was robbed three times and not a single person was caught. After my four years at the University of Florida I plan on going to law school although I do not want to be a lawyer. I then plan on working for law enforcement to gain some hands on experience for my dream job. With the knowledge and experience I hope to attain a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

 I must admit that I do not have much knowledge about any   kinds of drugs. I know the names of a few, for example: marijuana, cocaine, meth, and molly. If you were to ask me what these drugs entail I could not tell you. I my closest friends and I do not partake in such activities. All I know about drugs is that they are not good for you and that they can be very addictive. I am very excited to learn throughout this course about the different drugs and their effects on us. I think that it would be knowledgeable and wise to learn about the use of common drugs that are floating around me.