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.