Rural and Suburban Heroin Abuse on the Rise

Officials report the abuse of opiates, mainly heroin, has risen at an alarming rate across the country, particularly among teenagers. 

Many “new” heroin users previously abused prescription opiate-based pain relievers like hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, codeine, propoxyphene, and hydromorphone. There is a shift in not only their drug of choice, but also in demographics; heroin abuse is rapidly sweeping through rural and suburban areas.

Heroin’s recent comeback is being linked to the country’s crackdown on prescription (Rx) drug abuse as states put strict regulations in place to fight the growing epidemic. These regulations make it more difficult to obtain prescription drugs, thereby, increasing the street value of these drugs dramatically.

As a result, those dependent on or abusing prescription pain medications are now turning to heroin because it is readily available, much cheaper, and delivers much of the same effects as prescription pain medications; making it more appealing.  Many new users of heroin may not associate the risk of contracting disease from the use of syringes.

 Injection drug users (IDU) are at a greater risk for contracting and transmitting HIV and hepatitis C because these infections are passed from one person to the next through blood to blood contact. In addition, sexual partners of IDUs also have an increased risk of infection through the sexual transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C.    

Injecting drugs like heroin is inherently dangerous and is not being condoned.  However, if someone does elect to inject drugs, they need to insure that they are using clean syringes and needles and not share their ‘works’ with others.

 The New Jersey AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline encourages everyone to get tested, including injection drug users.  Too many Americans are unaware of their HIV and Hepatitis C status. Testing helps identify those infected and connects them to medical care. 

Call the New Jersey AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline at 1-800-624-2377 to find a FREE state-funded testing site near you. The hotline also accepts email or text questions at 8006242377@njpies.org. 

If you need more information regarding testing, HIV transmission or have general questions concerning HIV/AIDS, STDs, or Hepatitis, call the health care professionals at the New Jersey AIDS/HIV/STD hotline, 1-800-624-2377. The following services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.

• ·        Referrals for testing sites and other related services
• ·        HIV/AIDS, STD and Hepatitis Prevention Information
• ·        Counseling and Treatment Locations
• ·        Treatment Information