Mr. Decker’s Blog

I received a call the other day, asking about a recent outbreak of heroin overdoses that have affected certain East Coast communities. That same afternoon – teenagers in our Jairus 12-Step program were discussing the availability of that powerful drug. As most people know, heroin is fast becoming the drug of choice for many young people. This sharp rise in usage equates not only to the ease of access to heroin – but to its low cost as well. Here’s what seems to be going on…

Oxycontin pills are in high demand… and the asking price can be upwards of $50 per pill. (Some potent versions of the tablets fetch more than $100 in certain cases!) The make up of these pills relates to basic street heroin. Although it is more difficult to ‘move’, conceal and actually use, heroin highs can be obtained now for less than $5. It is easy to see how a young person (or adult) who struggles with dependency is compelled to switch from pills to the syringe. And, word also seems to be that in order to move more quantities and get kids ‘hooked’ faster, the cut of the heroin is extremely pure. Thus, the overdoses occur.

The days of joints and six packs behind the gymnasium are far from over – but the lurking monster to our society’s youth is now a grave threat from heroin addiction. The stakes are getting higher as the age of onset of usage continues to drop lower. Middle school children are the curious targets – and drug dealers have drawn bull’s eyes on their backs, in an effort to cash in on the increasing need to medicate. Oxy pills (”O’s”) are often given away in a first-time effort to make the intrigued youth a captive addict. From that point on, it’s merely a question of supply and demand… and what the young market can afford.

Parents… beware. If you are known to be treating that bad back of yours with medication – keep it quiet and keep the meds will concealed. Someone will be listening to you or your kids talk – and then, asking their own questions. (”Where are they? Are your parents home?”) Those conversations can drag them, and your family into a net of deceit and despair… the return from which is next to impossible.