Prescription Drugs & Heroin: What Is the Connection?

Over the course of a few decades, the use of prescription opioid drugs has increased, leading to more people being addicted to these types of medications. In addition, over the past decade, the number of heroin users grew significantly. This has led researchers to explore the potential connection between heroin and prescription drug abuse.

Based upon the information gathered during research studies, it was suggested the rise in the number of abusers was related. It is believed if a person has abused one type of drug, it can lead to them abusing other types of drugs. Further, the number of people taking non-opioid prescription drugs rose greatly over the period from 2011 to 2013.

The conclusion: There is an epidemic that needs to be addressed through drug education and prevention treatment programs. To learn more about the connection between prescription drugs and heroin, please feel free to continue reading the following infographic.