ed deaths has increased from 1992 to1998. The number of emergency room episodes and drug abuse deaths added to this number of increasing deaths. The number of incidents where heroin or morphine was found in peoples’ bloodstreams doubled from 2,868 in 1992 to 4,327 in 1998 (United States).The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (N.H.S.D.A.) in 1999 showed that the typical user consumes more heroin now than in the last decade. The N.H.S.D.A. estimated that there are 149,000 new heroin users in 1998, 80% of them being under the age of 26. Studies have also found that the number of past month users increased from 68,000 in 1993 to 208,000 in 1999 (United States).The 1999 N.H.S.D.A. compared heroin users in eighth, tenth, and twelfth grade rates from 1990 to1999. In 1990 the users in eighth, tenth, and twelfth grade rates significantly rose. In 1992 the beginning of heroin use was at 26 years of age. Initiation in 1998 had gone down to the age of 21. The Monitoring the Future Survey found a mere difference between the years 1996 and 1999. Fortunately, the use of heroin in eighth, tenth, and twelfth grade has declined (Bowersox).Heroin is restricted under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as a Schedule 2 drug. A Schedule 2 drug is a substance well thought-out to have medical healing use. It is legal to possess only if prescribed by a doctor. It must then be taken according to the doctor’s orders (United Kingdom).Heroin is a class A drug; therefore, a possession charge with the intent to distribute most likely will be brought to the police. This charge takes affect with any amount of heroin that the court believes is more than personal use only (United Kingdom). If one is caught possessing heroin, sentencing is up to seven years in prison and an unlimited fine. If one is caught supplying heroin, sentencing is up to life in jail and an unlimited fine (“Drugs Card…”).People who need help getting off o...
