Heroin would seem to be a highly abused drug from the past, but it seems that heroin has come out of retirement to wreak havoc on society once again. Cocaine and crystal meth have been the big offenders in recent years, but arrest records are showing a rise in heroin use.

Heroin is an old drug. It was formulated from the opium poppy in 1874. It’s harmful effects have been known for a very long time. However it seems to have come back into vogue. It creates a longer lasting rush than what a user can get from cocaine. It is highly addictive, and brings multiple health problems to the user.

Much of the substance is coming into the U.S. through Mexico. There is a cheap, easily attainable version of heroin called Mexican tar. It is usually cut with cheap and dangerous substances. Therefore it is not pure. Either way, it’s harmful effects are the same for the user. The attractive thing about Mexican tar is that is it cheap and very easy to get.

As if people don’t need to be reminded, the harm that comes from a drug like heroin is life destroying. It effects brain function, liver and kidney disease, creates respiratory problems, scarred and collapsed veins from injection, and infections at the needle site. The withdrawal symptoms are harsh and can be painful to the user.

Many users choose to share needles. This leads to blood borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis. These deadly diseases can be unwittingly passed onto sexual partners and even the user’s children.

Although treatment is available, it is often second to arrest for the heroin user. Therefore arrest records are up for the drug, too. Due to it’s powerful addictive ability, heroin is an extremely difficult drug to kick. Therefore, constant education to prevent its use is necessary.