Herion Addiction: Methadone & Heroin Facts

Question: Why does herion addiction contribute to ciminal activity?

(Posted by: Miamarie on 2011-03-23 11:51:39)

Why does heroin addiction contribute to criminal activity? What are the advantages and disadvantages to treating heroin addicts versus locking them up. What is your story? Is it possible to treat an heroin addict without him falling back?

Posted by: Dr George on 2011-03-23, 11:55:51

I worked in an addiction recovery program for a number of years. It included alcohol and all of the other addictive drugs. I finally gave up that practice. I kept seeing the same people over and over again. Locking someone up who is addicted to heroin is not the answer either. Drugs are available in prisons. As to why it contributes to criminal activity it is generally because the addict is unable to hold down a job but needs income to purchase their "fix ". For them, the easiest way to do that is to prey upon society to steal what they need in order to make money. Seems like a lot of work, and dangerous, but they are driven by a very strong need and generally unable to maintain employment.

Posted by: C. Mars on 2011-03-23, 11:57:20

Because the addiction to Heroin is so strong that the addicts will do anything, including crime, to get money to feed their fix. The advantages of treating them is less drain on the system (justice system). I don't have a story. It is possible to treat them, but the Recidivism rate is huge.

Posted by: jimmyB on 2011-03-23, 12:10:23

Number one it's a pretty expensive habit, it's about $20 a bag, and nowadays one bag does nothing. Too much cut on the shit, and the users system or tolerance gets higher which means the user needs more which he or she cannot normally afford so there you have, criminal activity, legalize it and let people make their own choices as to what they want to do with their own bodies. Works in other countries why not here.