Since 1898, a drug has been revolving around the world that has been changing peoples' lives. When used in small doses, your cough would go away, but it would leave you wanting more. By 1950, the danger of this drug became well known, and addiction was starting to take over the United States. By the 20th century, this drug became one of the deadliest and took over about one percent of American’s lives. Heroin addiction does not just happen to a certain gender, race, or age. This deadly drug can sneak up on anyone, and change their lives forever.

For those who don’t know, heroin is part of a category called opioid, which also includes Vicodin, OxyContin and Percocet. In 2012, two of Americans ages 12 and older reported non-medical use of a prescription pain killer in the past month. That is about six million Americans who have been exposed to drug abuse that can lead to heroin use. Many people have admitted to being addicted to heroin after their first use, and felt withdrawal symptoms when the drug wore off. Extreme use of the drug can lead to slow breathing, clammy skin, and possible death.

Now, this isn’t a lecture about why you shouldn’t use drugs. This is about the problem that is happening right now. This is about the people who have lost their lives to this drug. This is about the people who lost their sons, daughters, friends or loved ones to this drug. This is to bring awareness to you and everyone who might read this. This is about you helping someone who is struggling with addiction.

We are currently living in a world where a drug overdose is not a surprise in a small town. We live in a world where trying something just once can ruin your (and your family’s) life forever. How many people have to lose their lives for America to realize that this is an ongoing problem?

No one wants to say it and no one wants to hear it. You would never want to admit that you have a problem. You would never want to accuse a loved one of having a problem. Part of you is scared, and the other part is in denial.

When will we live in a world where you never get the phone call about a friend passing away? When will we live in a world where a mother doesn’t have to worry about what her child is doing when she goes to sleep? When will we live in a world where you never have to hear the words ‘It was heroin’ again?

For more information about opioid addiction and treatment, please visit http://www.hhs.gov/opioids/