Heroin abuse has reached epidemic proportions in the United States.
According to the DEA there are estimated to be 600,000 heroin users in the United States – three times the number in 2012.
Lawmakers gathered Tuesday, July 28th, on Capitol Hill to examine the problem.
Michael Botticelli, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, told a house panel there’s a reason for the trend.
“It’s important to note that the vast over-prescribing of prescription drugs and easy access to diverted opioids is fueling our opiod use drug problem.” – Michael Botticelli, Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Additionally, the growing availability of heroin trafficked from Mexico is also a significant concern.
Drug cartels have noticed the rise in use and have begun bringing more heroin and meth into the u-s .
