Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

U. S. Attorney General, Eric Holder, has called the rise in overdose deaths from heroin and prescription painkillers an â�?�?urgent public health crisis.â�? According to the CDC, one in five high school students has taken prescription drugs without a doctorâ�?�?s prescription. And heroin abusers often report that their foray into heroin began with prescription drug abuse. Despite what people think, heroin is an equal opportunity destroyer. Addiction to heroin and other opiates (such as oxycodone, Oxycotin, Percocet and Vicodin) impacts Americans in urban cities, the suburbs and rural areas in every state. Heroin overdose deaths quadrupled from 2000 to 2023 in the US. Many people hold a misconception that drug dependence is a voluntary behavior and moral failure. However, addiction is actually a complex medical issue, not a moral issue. In fact, addiction is a brain disease that can be diagnosed and treated, and treatment makes a difference. Prevention begins with education. Professionals must become informed and then teach teens about the devastating effects of prescription drugs and heroin. As children grow, turn â�?�?Just Say NOâ�? into â�?�?Just say KNOW.â�? At my education programs, the most frequently asked question is, â�?�?What can I do to protect our young Here are 7 tips. 1. Donâ�?�?t wear blinders 2. Be a Role Model 3. Educate yourself and your teen 4. Know the signs and behaviors 5. Be prepared, not scared. Have a plan of action 6. Act quickly with Naloxone

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