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Utah sees increase in heroin usage

By Staff Writer

More than 3.8 million Americans say they have tried heroin in their lifetime, according to Heroin Abuse, a
statistics site. Substance abuse treatment centers have helped several people overcome their addiction to heroin, but many parts of the country are beginning to see an increase in drug use.

Recently, approximately 14 pounds of heroin was discovered during a traffic stop in Southern Utah, according to The Spectrum. Washington County task force commander David Moss told the news source that he has never seen so much of the drug in one load.

Heroin usage among young adults is growing, and more individuals are failing to meet drug court requirements after running into trouble with the law. This has resulted in more repeat offenders returning to the streets.

Washington County sheriff Kirk Smith told the news source that he has seen heroin come and go throughout his 33 years on the force. He believes that young people have yet to discover the dangers of heroin, which was once a popular drug in the 1960s.

Approximately 560,000 people used heroin last year, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Rehabilitation facilities can help individuals who have become addicted to the substance over time.