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Heroin epidemic

backseatLover12backseatLover12 Posts: 2,312
edited May 2014 in A Moving Train
I don't know about the rest of you, but it's a real problem here in the NE. Vermont, if you read the cover article of a Rolling Stone a couple months back, has the worst problem in the country. Why? Because those who have gotten a hold of and habitually use narcotics such as ocycontin and the like have found something much cheaper and accessible… and it's everywhere.

Anyone else having the problems we're having? It's bad shit. Stick with the weed!

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26672422
..."They don't want to talk about it. They don't want to believe it.

"It's not the picture anymore of someone living under a bridge shooting up with needles.

"It's your next-door neighbour. It could be your kid."
Post edited by backseatLover12 on

Comments

  • backseatLover12backseatLover12 Posts: 2,312
    It's a long article but eye-opening and mind blowing how it's taken over the small rural and most progressive state. Vermont's problem with heroin.

    http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-new-face-of-heroin-20140403
  • BLACK35BLACK35 Posts: 22,754
    we don't have the heroin problem where I am, buts it the meth that we got. Our area is like the one of the worst area/county in Ontario.
    Just as bad either way and can't believe people want to try the shit with the potential to get hooked on it. Everyone knows what it does to you
    2005 - London
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    2013 - London, Pittsburgh, Buffalo
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  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,049
    I'm so glad I never tried it. I was steered clear by a few things. My friends all talked about how dangerous and dangerously addictive it is. The other thing that really turned me off was being invited over to a friend of a friends and this guy started shooting up right in front of us. That was not cool to me.

    That said, the irony is that many people are legally addicted to heroin-like prescription drugs. When I first had trouble with my hearing condition and the anxiety that went along with it I had a doctor who got me started on Xanax and I got heavily addicted. I got off that stuff and haven't looked back. In fact, I won't take any prescription drugs unless absolutely necessary... like almost never.

    I feel badly for people addicted to these substances.
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • backseatLover12backseatLover12 Posts: 2,312
    I find it hard to believe that no one else has had it hit close to home. The heroin shit is everywhere. EVERYWHERE. Meth, too, Black35.
  • hedonisthedonist Posts: 24,524
    Hiya backseater - Please don't mistake lack of response as no one having experiences related to this and other not-if-but-when-will-it-fuck-you-and-badly drugs. It might be a tough subject for some to discuss.

    I've avoided heroin and those in its damaging realm and will until the day I die; on this I am resolute. But, many venture there - whether completely of their own accord or not, I don't know.

    I envision it as hell and guess I'm in the minority as not personally knowing someone affected by it.

    To Brian, you are so right about prescription drugs. Like you, I take a SOMA (muscle-relaxer) when there's no other choice to relieve my back. Otherwise, it's pretty much Tylenol and the green.
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,049
    backseatLover12 said:

    I find it hard to believe that no one else has had it hit close to home. The heroin shit is everywhere. EVERYWHERE. Meth, too, Black35.

    Meth is a major problem in many of our local communities. Heroin probably too and though I don't know to what extent, it's probably a lot. A few months ago I talk to a high school counselor who was talking about these kids strung out on smack. He said that often times you'd never know it- that they are often clever at hiding it. Strange- and I thought smoking pot in high school was a big deal back in the day. It's sad to hear about these kids shooting up.

    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • backseatLover12backseatLover12 Posts: 2,312
    I understand if it's an uncomfortable conversation. I've had my fill of painkillers from several injuries and couldn't wait to get off of them, whereas others get addicted. Personally, I hated how they made me feel other than taking the pain away. So I would never go the heroin route.

    But friends' kids have been in jail for selling heroin in school; HIGH school. I hear ya Brian, perhaps we're from a different generation where the green was enough, now the young want to get messed up on the really bad stuff that kept everyone I knew away. Because weed was enough. Now that it's becoming more legal, youth is into the heroin. Where death and addiction can really ruin a life and everyone around them.
  • mickeyratmickeyrat Posts: 38,604
    Big Pharma hooks em, afghanistan kills em. funny how the rise in poppy fields occurs during times of war in that country. Good funding mechanism for terrorism and the taliban too. things like this will only get worse too unless there is a steady shift in cultural thinking that leads one to use the shit in the first place. Perhaps as more states legalize pot , it could help with this trend. Mainly people people seeking escape from life as they live it.
    _____________________________________SIGNATURE________________________________________________

    Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
    you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
    memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
    another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
  • callencallen Posts: 6,388
    edited May 2014
    mickeyrat said:

    Big Pharma hooks em, afghanistan kills em. funny how the rise in poppy fields occurs during times of war in that country. Good funding mechanism for terrorism and the taliban too. things like this will only get worse too unless there is a steady shift in cultural thinking that leads one to use the shit in the first place. Perhaps as more states legalize pot , it could help with this trend. Mainly people people seeking escape from life as they live it.

    Best friends brother od'd on heroine. Always told myself not to try chemicals due to danger and maybe liking it and hate needles stuck in my flesh. As to legalizing pot and it reducing ones temptation from doing hard core drugs well not sure if that would happen but have thought if that as well. Do think we need to decriminalize all drugs and get help for those that are hooked. It's a medical condition, not a legal one. We need better education programs, not the ones based on fear and lies but on facts.
    10-18-2000 Houston, 04-06-2003 Houston, 6-25-2003 Toronto, 10-8-2004 Kissimmee, 9-4-2005 Calgary, 12-3-05 Sao Paulo, 7-2-2006 Denver, 7-22-06 Gorge, 7-23-2006 Gorge, 9-13-2006 Bern, 6-22-2008 DC, 6-24-2008 MSG, 6-25-2008 MSG
  • mickeyratmickeyrat Posts: 38,604
    edited May 2014
    callen said:

    mickeyrat said:

    Big Pharma hooks em, afghanistan kills em. funny how the rise in poppy fields occurs during times of war in that country. Good funding mechanism for terrorism and the taliban too. things like this will only get worse too unless there is a steady shift in cultural thinking that leads one to use the shit in the first place. Perhaps as more states legalize pot , it could help with this trend. Mainly people people seeking escape from life as they live it.

    Best friends brother od'd on heroine. Always told myself not to try chemicals due to danger and maybe liking it and hate needles stuck in my flesh. As to legalizing pot and it reducing ones temptation from doing hard core drugs well not sure if that would happen but have thought if that as well. Do think we need to decriminalize all drugs and get help for those that are hooked. It's a medical condition, not a legal one. We need better education programs, not the ones based on fear and lies but on facts.
    medical until it becomes a legal one due to feeding the habit. At which point the acts needs it due justice as well as help in recovery from addiction if the person wants it. THAT is the only way recovery works , if the person wants it. otherwise its a waste of time and resources. But one that should be offered for sure.
    Of the many ways to get and stay sober I have found 12 step recovery to be beneficial to me.
    _____________________________________SIGNATURE________________________________________________

    Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
    you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
    memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
    another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,049
    backseatLover12 said:

    I understand if it's an uncomfortable conversation. I've had my fill of painkillers from several injuries and couldn't wait to get off of them, whereas others get addicted. Personally, I hated how they made me feel other than taking the pain away. So I would never go the heroin route.

    But friends' kids have been in jail for selling heroin in school; HIGH school. I hear ya Brian, perhaps we're from a different generation where the green was enough, now the young want to get messed up on the really bad stuff that kept everyone I knew away. Because weed was enough. Now that it's becoming more legal, youth is into the heroin. Where death and addiction can really ruin a life and everyone around them.

    I see what you mean backseatLover but it kind of seems odd to me because weed today is so way much more potent than 95% of what was available in the 60's and 70's. Not that I would know about either, hahaha! But seriously, I don't get why kids want a bigger high than today's potent weed or get into something that can ruin their life. It's sad.

    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • callencallen Posts: 6,388
    edited May 2014
    brianlux said:

    backseatLover12 said:

    I understand if it's an uncomfortable conversation. I've had my fill of painkillers from several injuries and couldn't wait to get off of them, whereas others get addicted. Personally, I hated how they made me feel other than taking the pain away. So I would never go the heroin route.

    But friends' kids have been in jail for selling heroin in school; HIGH school. I hear ya Brian, perhaps we're from a different generation where the green was enough, now the young want to get messed up on the really bad stuff that kept everyone I knew away. Because weed was enough. Now that it's becoming more legal, youth is into the heroin. Where death and addiction can really ruin a life and everyone around them.

    I see what you mean backseatLover but it kind of seems odd to me because weed today is so way much more potent than 95% of what was available in the 60's and 70's. Not that I would know about either, hahaha! But seriously, I don't get why kids want a bigger high than today's potent weed or get into something that can ruin their life. It's sad.

    Good point and guess that leads to why people get high. If it's to get away today's pot would seem to reach that craving.
    10-18-2000 Houston, 04-06-2003 Houston, 6-25-2003 Toronto, 10-8-2004 Kissimmee, 9-4-2005 Calgary, 12-3-05 Sao Paulo, 7-2-2006 Denver, 7-22-06 Gorge, 7-23-2006 Gorge, 9-13-2006 Bern, 6-22-2008 DC, 6-24-2008 MSG, 6-25-2008 MSG
  • callencallen Posts: 6,388
    mickeyrat said:

    callen said:

    mickeyrat said:

    Big Pharma hooks em, afghanistan kills em. funny how the rise in poppy fields occurs during times of war in that country. Good funding mechanism for terrorism and the taliban too. things like this will only get worse too unless there is a steady shift in cultural thinking that leads one to use the shit in the first place. Perhaps as more states legalize pot , it could help with this trend. Mainly people people seeking escape from life as they live it.

    Best friends brother od'd on heroine. Always told myself not to try chemicals due to danger and maybe liking it and hate needles stuck in my flesh. As to legalizing pot and it reducing ones temptation from doing hard core drugs well not sure if that would happen but have thought if that as well. Do think we need to decriminalize all drugs and get help for those that are hooked. It's a medical condition, not a legal one. We need better education programs, not the ones based on fear and lies but on facts.
    medical until it becomes a legal one due to feeding the habit. At which point the acts needs it due justice as well as help in recovery from addiction if the person wants it. THAT is the only way recovery works , if the person wants it. otherwise its a waste of time and resources. But one that should be offered for sure.
    Of the many ways to get and stay sober I have found 12 step recovery to be beneficial to me.
    Mickey, don't get first couple sentences
    10-18-2000 Houston, 04-06-2003 Houston, 6-25-2003 Toronto, 10-8-2004 Kissimmee, 9-4-2005 Calgary, 12-3-05 Sao Paulo, 7-2-2006 Denver, 7-22-06 Gorge, 7-23-2006 Gorge, 9-13-2006 Bern, 6-22-2008 DC, 6-24-2008 MSG, 6-25-2008 MSG
  • mickeyratmickeyrat Posts: 38,604
    callen said:

    mickeyrat said:

    callen said:

    mickeyrat said:

    Big Pharma hooks em, afghanistan kills em. funny how the rise in poppy fields occurs during times of war in that country. Good funding mechanism for terrorism and the taliban too. things like this will only get worse too unless there is a steady shift in cultural thinking that leads one to use the shit in the first place. Perhaps as more states legalize pot , it could help with this trend. Mainly people people seeking escape from life as they live it.

    Best friends brother od'd on heroine. Always told myself not to try chemicals due to danger and maybe liking it and hate needles stuck in my flesh. As to legalizing pot and it reducing ones temptation from doing hard core drugs well not sure if that would happen but have thought if that as well. Do think we need to decriminalize all drugs and get help for those that are hooked. It's a medical condition, not a legal one. We need better education programs, not the ones based on fear and lies but on facts.
    medical until it becomes a legal one due to feeding the habit. At which point the acts needs it due justice as well as help in recovery from addiction if the person wants it. THAT is the only way recovery works , if the person wants it. otherwise its a waste of time and resources. But one that should be offered for sure.
    Of the many ways to get and stay sober I have found 12 step recovery to be beneficial to me.
    Mickey, don't get first couple sentences
    you are right its a medical (would go further to psychological as well) issue up to the point of illegal actions(muggings, robberies, breaking and entering, theft etc) taken to feed that habit. At that point, addicts should be held accountable for their crimes but having the addiction be considered as a mitigating factor. Of all the addicts I know, not one has become one through intention.
    In 12 step recovery its important that we become responsible/accountable for what we have done and do what we can to make right all that we can. Addiction may explain behavior but it cannot and should not excuse it.
    _____________________________________SIGNATURE________________________________________________

    Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
    you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
    memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
    another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
  • callencallen Posts: 6,388
    Cool. Agree. Thanks.
    10-18-2000 Houston, 04-06-2003 Houston, 6-25-2003 Toronto, 10-8-2004 Kissimmee, 9-4-2005 Calgary, 12-3-05 Sao Paulo, 7-2-2006 Denver, 7-22-06 Gorge, 7-23-2006 Gorge, 9-13-2006 Bern, 6-22-2008 DC, 6-24-2008 MSG, 6-25-2008 MSG
  • jmuscatellojmuscatello Posts: 332
    cannabis indica has narcotic effects/benefits, but with:
    - no risk of fatal overdose
    - substantially less risk of addiction
    It's far and away a safer pain-relief alternative, and I honestly believe that pot legalization (recreational as well as medical) would, over time, result in less painkiller/opiate abuse.
  • Cliffy6745Cliffy6745 Posts: 33,840
    Painkillers are the fucking devil. Waiting for my brother in law to OD from heroin. Only a matter of time
  • chadwickchadwick Posts: 21,157
    opiates only ever helped me live better with less suffering
    for poetry through the ceiling. ISBN: 1 4241 8840 7

    "Hear me, my chiefs!
    I am tired; my heart is
    sick and sad. From where
    the sun stands I will fight
    no more forever."
    Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
  • jmuscatellojmuscatello Posts: 332
    chadwick said:

    opiates only ever helped me live better with less suffering

    wouldn't think of judging you chadwick, I'm not living with chronic pain
    I imagine you've tried MMJ.... have you found any relief with it?
  • lcusicklcusick Posts: 310
    It is out of control in Cleveland, OH area. I teach high school and have had several students addicted to heroin. It is an epidemic where I teach. We have had many educational days and assemblies trying to educate kids about the realities of heroin. But it is a cheap high and the kids go for it. It is very sad. I have witnessed many kids lives ruined and I have tried with all my heart to help them. You can lead a horse to water, but can not make them drink. Real problem lies in their home.
  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    yeah ohio has it bad..naxalone? Nalaxone? Either way its being made available as it OD was the biggest killer last year behind traffic fatalities (if im not mistaken). The increase in natural gas extraction is increasing the demand of drugs like meth and heroin even more. Its a sad thing.
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
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