Drug addiction epidemic has arrived on our doorsteps
Until heroin addiction happened in our family, it was just a sad, upsetting thing that was happening to other people. Since it has now become a part of our world, we have discovered that partially due to the “cheap” price of heroin, this addiction has reached epidemic proportions in our country, killing young people everyday.
Many teenagers and young adults, mostly male, are trying it because of boredom, peer pressure, an unhappy life or other reasons. One shot and they are hooked for life.
Relapse after relapse is likely to happen. Death is a real possibility. Sellers are cutting it with either Fentanyl or elephant tranquilizers, which heightens the effect. The side effects eventually destroys the wiring in your brain, as well as your organs.
The overdose rate is staggering. Kids as young as 12 years old are trying it. These kids have no chance unless we spread the word.
Parents need to know the symptoms to be on the lookout for; kids need to be aware of the dangers of even trying it once.
Yes, it’s here, too!
Sammi Briggs, Myrtle Beach
This story was originally published November 18, 2016 at 4:12 PM with the headline "Drug addiction epidemic has arrived on our doorsteps."