According to a National Survey (2006), almost half of the American public knows a friend or family member with a pain killer addiction. Furthermore, the majority of them are not aware that what they are really addicted to is an opiate. This makes pain killer abuse equal to that of a heroin addiction.

Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid created from morphine, a derivative of the opium poppy. This opioid compound acts the same way as endorphins by creating a feeling of happiness, well-being, and euphoria. The similarity of heroin addiction to pain killer addiction lies here, in the opiates contained in these substances. Because opiates are addictive substances, the misuse and abuse of pain killers very often leads to a serious addiction.

Although many take opiate based drugs as pain killers, the start of an opiate addiction may be psychological. Individuals may think that by taking their pain killers they can have a better day or become less stressed. Such careless use of these drugs comes with a high price, both substances, will lead you to dependence, tolerance and withdrawal stages. More often than not, a pain killer addiction leads into the use of heroin.

Withdrawal symptoms for these addictions may appear at different time intervals, but the results are the same. They both include vomiting, shaking, stomach pain, depression, suicidal thoughts, horrible cramps, aching bones, restlessness, insomnia lasting days to weeks, runny nose, loss of appetite and sweating.

The recreational use and abuse of pain killers is not to be taken lightly. The dangers of an opiate class drug are very apparent and proven. It is important that you are educated on the dependency of opiates should a doctor prescribe them, use as directed and with caution. Seek the advice of a professional if you start to experience withdrawal symptoms or suspect an abuse problem.

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Recent studies have shown that heroin use is growing in New York City as an increased amount of the opiate is smuggled into the city. In fact, drug treatment center admissions for heroin addiction outnumber all other drugs in the city.

The rise in heroin use in New York tells a chilling tale of drug use nationwide. SAMHSA (The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) reported a nationwide rise in heroin users from 136,000 in 2005 to 338,000 in 2006. All of this while abuse of prescription opiates such as Methadone, OxyContin and Vicodin also continues to rise nationwide. These latest number prove that opiate abuse and addiction continue to be a major problem in America and a problem not easily solved.

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Two of our latest success stories come not from the patient, but from their family members. It is important to remember that drug addictions never affect just one person.

In Pennsylvania, Elaine’s son had been an addict for over 12 years. After 7 failed attempts at rehab, he turned to heroin. Several more rehab attempts and a sober house later, Elaine’s son found himself severely sick and turning back to drugs. Wanting to stop, he finally found the Rapid Drug Detox Center. Elaine and her son’s life were restored, “The kindness of the Nurses and Doctors and the program, I will always keep them in my prayers for giving back my son to me.”

Read More About Elaine and Her Son’s Story and Experience…

We came across an article from the Toronto Star today that tells the chilling story of a Toronto jail inmate, named Keigo White. Keigo was a former heroin addict and was now on methadone.

However, in jail his addiction to methadone ultimately pushed him over the edge and led to his suicide. The story serves as a reminder of the addictiveness of methadone and the dangers that can result from using methadone to quit other opiates.