CDC Report Shows Substantial Increase in Heroin Abuse

A recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that heroin use among adults in the U.S. significantly increased during the period between 2002 and 2013.

Data from the report demonstrated that adults’ increased use of heroin was seen across every income level, age group and gender. The CDC research also found that groups who were previously considered at lower risk of heroin abuse – including women, holders of private insurance and those with higher incomes – saw some of the largest increases in the drug’s use.

Some of the groups who are at the highest risk of heroin abuse include males, residents of metropolitan areas, addicts of other drugs and younger adults. The CDC stated that, among young adults ages 18 to 25, use of heroin had more than doubled in the last decade.

Additionally, the CDC reported that those who use heroin are also more likely to abuse other substances. In fact, nine out of every 10 heroin users also abuse at least one other drug, most commonly cocaine or opioid painkillers. The research found that 45 percent of all people who use heroin also struggle with opioid painkiller addiction. Those who abuse heroin by injecting it are also at increased risk for contracting HIV, Hepatitis C and B and bacterial infections.

Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug that poses great risks to individuals who use and abuse it. If you would like more information on heroin drug testing, please contact Partners In Safety today.