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| Bayer once sold Heroin over the counter before it was deemed illegal in the US. |
Heroin can be considered the most deadly drug on the face of the planet. It comes from the poppy plant which exudes a poisonous liquid injected into the veins of addicts. Those addicted to heroin can receive a few hours of euphoria but in return a short lifetime of pain and misery as the addiction consumes every part of their being.
Heroin Facts
The global heroin industry can be linked to international terror and crime and is intertwined into the fabric of our society. The wars of America fights as a nation are on many fronts. In this manner, heroin is a very real weapon of mass destruction. Both at home and abroad, we fight a daily battle in a desperate attempt to end the reign of heroin worldwide. The $300 billion dollar per year global industry is fought by our allied nations, our military, and by our police on the streets in our city communities.
Gateways to Crime & Addiction
Homelessness, prostitution, robberies and violent crimes can be directly attributed at least in part by drug addiction. Addicts typically report the same activities during their downward spiral into addiction. They begin smoking marijuana which leads to harder drugs like heroin. They begin to sell marijuana to support their heroin habit. And when the earnings from marijuana can no longer keep up with their habit they resort to prostitution and crime. This cycle is why marijuana often referred to as a gateway drug. However, supporters of marijuana legalization argue that marijuana can be taken from the cycle is legalized.
What is a Gateway Drug?
Those against legalizing marijuana say it is the search for a stronger high beyond that of marijuana that makes it a gateway drug. Historically, this was the same argument that led to the prohibition of alcohol. Although legislation is considering the legalization of marijuana, legalization of drugs like heroin is not likely to ever be legalized. Heroin causes physical changes in the brain resulting in a physical dependence upon the substance. Addicts with a physical addiction to heroin will experience physical withdrawal if they are unable to get access to the drug.
Similarities of Alcohol & Heroin
Like long term heroin abuse, chronic alcoholism results from similar physical changes in the brain and cause a similar physical withdrawal with the alcoholic attempts to quit drinking. Alcohol which has a stronger euphoric effect has been shown to cause deterioration of the liver with long-term use. It contributes to domestic violence and families, homelessness, and DUI related deaths. Perhaps drugs like heroin should not ever be legal for use due to their harmful effects. But should the same standards that make drugs like heroin illegal be applied to all drug forms used legally?
