America's Heroin Epidemic - Millions Addicted to Opiates

America's use of heroin has increased substantially over the past decade. In the early 2000s 0.33% of the American adult population had used heroin at least one. Ten years later however, this number increased to 1.6%. This means roughly 3.8 million Americans are addicted to heroin. The use of heroin has affected certain groups of the American population more than others. White individuals are more likely to use heroin that the non-white groups.

This increased use is not restricted to one area, this is a widespread epidemic that has affected many cities. In Baltimore for example, according to one study 1 in 10 Baltimore adults is addicted to heroin.

So why has heroin addiction increased so much over the past decade?

Firstly, American troops went into Afghanistan in 2001. Afghanistan is the largest producer of heroin and troops were supposed to destroy poppy fields in order to cut funding of the Taliban terrorist group. However, America troops turned a blind eye to poppy fields and reports have been made that the CIA is trafficking heroin.

Secondly, opiate abuse from prescription drugs has become a gateway for users to turn to heroin. This is perhaps, the most important factor contributing to this epidemic.

Thirdly, Mexican drug cartels have started to grow poppies in South America. This only fuels the supply of heroin entering America.