Many young people are introduced to heroin by their peers usually acquaintances, friends, and siblings. People often try drugs like heroin because they feel peer pressure. They may think it s cool to use because heroin has been glamorized in the entertainment and fashion industries. Prevention efforts must begin early to improve factors which help protect children and reduce their risk of becoming involved in drug use and drug problems. Before reaching adolescence, children need to receive the support, guidance, and opportunities to develop healthy bonds with healthy parents, schools, and communities.
Parents can help by becoming informed and by talking to their teenagers about drug use.
Communities can help by decreasing the availability of drugs, promoting drug-free homes and environments, and by supporting drug use prevention programs. You may also contact your family physician, hospital, or yellow pages for other intervention and treatment options. Your local Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Your local public library. The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information s home page has information on Rohypnol, GHB, and other substances of abuse.