Drug users switch to heroin because it's cheap, easy to get

Drug users are attracted to heroin not only for the “high,” but because it is less expensive and easier to get than prescription painkillers, a nationwide survey of heroin users indicate. Researchers have found that many suburban drug users have made the switch. "In the past, heroin was a drug that introduced people to narcotics," said the principal investigator. "But what we're seeing now is that most people using heroin begin with prescription painkillers such as OxyContin, Percocet or Vicodin, and only switch to heroin when their prescription drug habits get too expensive."

Source: ScienceDaily Headlines - May 28, 2014 Category: Science Source Type: news