The Growing Heroin Epidemic in Teenagers and Young Adults

Heroin use and addiction is no longer confined to the hardcore junkie. It’s become an epidemic in the U.S. affecting every demographic in a major way. Of the 21.5 million Americans that have a substance abuse disorder, nearly two million were reported as abusers of prescription opioids, a known precursor to heroin addiction; and 586,000 had a substance use disorder related to heroin itself. As unsettling as those statistics are, it is even more disturbing to consider that almost half of those reported with a substance use disorder involving heroin were under the age of 25.

Heroin-related deaths tripled in number in just four years, between 2010 and 2014, from 3,036 to 10,574, and there has been an increase in use in just about every state nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there has been an alarmingly large increase in fatalities nationwide due to drug overdoses. In Texas alone, the increase has been 4.3%, and that is in a one-year period.

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an opioid drug that is derived from the pain-killer morphine. It can be used by smoking, snorting, or injecting, and is typically found in the form of a black tar-like substance, but can also be a brown or white powder.

The high from heroin creates a feeling of euphoria and drowsiness, and users often experience “nodding off.” Risks of heroin use include hypoxia, vascular problems, pulmonary and gastrointestinal issues, overdose and death, among others. There is frequently an increased danger for heroin users due to contamination of the drug, which can be cut, or mixed, with other substances that can be toxic, or even fatal.

Why Are So Many Teenagers and Young Adults Using Heroin?

Heroin use among young people often begins the same way is does for adults, through the use of prescription pain medications. Opioid pain-killers like OxyContin, are readily prescribed by doctors for everything from premenstrual pain to dental work to traumatic injury, for both teens and adults, and leftover medication is often shared between friends for recreational use. When the prescription drug becomes unavailable, many turn to the use of heroin, which is cheaper and stronger. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80% of heroin use began with the user taking prescription pain medication.

Another factor in the use of heroin is that the perception of the availability of the drug is changing. The idea that heroin easily accessible to teenagers and young adults has increased among this demographic, which has historically been an indicator of increased use.

What Can Be Done About Heroin Use Among Teenagers?

With heroin and other drug abuse increasing among teenagers, parents must come to the realization that use, addiction, and death can happen to anyone – no matter the age, gender, race, socio-economic background, or any other defining quality. Heroin does not discriminate; it can kill anyone.

Parents and friends of teenagers have to be aware of the signs of heroin use, and they have to pay attention to behavioral and physical changes in their young loved ones. The best prevention is education and involvement in the lives of teens.

Recovery from Heroin Addiction is Possible

Possibly the only good news regarding the heroin epidemic is that more and more young people are seeking help for their addiction to heroin. There has been an increase in the number of heroin users under the age of 25 entering addiction rehabilitation facilities and receiving treatment for substance abuse disorders. While that is encouraging, relapse rates for heroin use are high, and intensive, ongoing treatment is often necessary for many users.

Recovery from heroin addiction is possible for anyone who is willing to take the first step and ask for help. For many, The Council on Recovery is the place to start. Founded in 1946, the Council on Recovery is Houston’s oldest and largest non-profit organization providing support, information, and outpatient treatment to all who may be adversely affected by alcohol, drugs, and addiction-related issues. The Council on Recovery is the leading provider of prevention, education, treatment, and recovery services in Houston. For heroin addicts and their families, The Council on Recovery provides fresh hope for lasting recovery and family healing.

Yoga and Meditation at The Council

For individuals struggling with new sobriety as well as those with long-term recovery, meditation and yoga can greatly improve their physical health, mental focus and program. For those also dealing with depression, anxiety or related issues, these practices help relieve symptoms and improve overall well-being. Visit our Yoga and Meditation page for more information on the yoga classes currently offered at The Council on Recovery.

The Family Hour – A New Lecture Series

Second Saturday of the Month 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Join us for a monthly lecture and Q&A series that focuses on the disease of addiction and its inevitable impact on the entire family. Hosted by our Center for Recovering Families and facilitated by the Center’s Clinical Director Lori Fiester, LCSW-S, MAC, CIP, this community series is free and open to all families, loved ones, and members of our community who seek up-to-date, accurate information about addiction and related issues.  Registration Not Required. Family Legacy – 11/12/16 | Codependency – 12/10/16 | Enabling and Boundary-Setting – 1/14/17 | Shame Resilience – 2/11/17.

“Wonder Woman” Lynda Carter to Inspire and Entertain with Her Heroic Story of Personal Recovery from Addiction

The Council on Recovery will feature beloved All-American celebrity Lynda Carter as keynote speaker at the Waggoners Foundation Speaker Series’ 2016 Fall Luncheon, presented by the Wayne Duddlesten Foundation.  The Luncheon takes place Friday, October 28, 2016, at the Hilton Americas – Houston Hotel.

Known to millions as Wonder Woman, actress Lynda Carter also produced and starred in five highly-rated network television specials, several of which were Emmy-nominated. She launched an equally successful singing career, performing for sell-out crowds, earning rave reviews, and appearing on stage with entertainment legends, including Ray Charles, Kenny Rogers, and Bob Hope. Lynda continues to share her success with people in need as a committed community volunteer and philanthropist. She served as Grand Marshall for the DC AIDS Walk and generously supports many charitable organizations.

Most importantly, Lynda Carter is committed to her recovery from alcoholism and addiction. Her recovery story, and its message of hope, is directed to every member of the family. It’s a strong reminder that family support can make a huge difference to a recovering addict or alcoholic.   Lynda credits her husband’s intervention for her ultimate acceptance of personal powerlessness over alcoholism: “After 18 years of recovery, I live every day with immense gratitude. I am forever thankful for my family and friends who stood by me and encouraged me… and for those who helped me heal.” Through her inspiring story, Lynda reveals the power and grace of vulnerability, faith, and surrender that nourish lasting recovery.

Don’t miss this special opportunity to hear Lynda Carter’s story at our Fall Luncheon, October 28th!

**SPECIAL OFFER**  Sponsor a Luncheon table at the Benefactor or Platinum Partner level and receive 2 passes to the Green Room to meet Lynda Carter in person (with a great photo opp)! Sponsor a table at the Event Super Star level and receive 4 Green Room passes. Click here reserve your table!

Why Family Matters…for Healing & Wholeness

Many families assume that once their addicted loved one has begun treatment, the rest of the family is just along for the ride, but this shows a major misunderstanding of treatment and recovery.

During treatment the client experiences tremendous growth. They learn to face feelings, use a new language to express them self, and find healthy ways to cope with changes and challenges. But while the client changes, the family may stay stuck in its old roles, following outdated rules. This maintains the painful system of suffering in silence, which allows addiction to thrive.

To get better, everyone needs to be involved in changing the rules of the game, so addiction isn’t dictating the rules any more. To help facilitate this growth–for everyone–the Center for Recovering Families’ treatment team invites the family into the recovery process. Along with their loved one, family members develop new skills for focusing on growth, discussing differences, and coping in healthy ways. When a family does this, research shows greatly increased success for long-lasting recovery.

Oddly enough, a lot of the healing takes place when family members are not in the same therapy sessions as their loved one in treatment. Starting in separate groups allows everyone to speak freely without worrying about following the old rules and roles of engagement. At the same time, families have the chance to connect with other families who are experiencing similar feelings and processes. This provides a safe place to learn empowering recovery language, establish goals for the future, and overcome the pain of the past.