Heroin: A Vicious Downward Spiral

Health & Wellness

Heroin: A Vicious Downward Spiral

By
Dana Sparks

February 10, 2014

In recent weeks, especially after the death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, heroin use is making headlines. Media outlets are calling it a crisis, an epidemic and tainted heroin is being blamed for more than 20 deaths in Pennsylvania. See reports: ABC, WCCO, CNN.

Mayo Clinic psychiatrist and addiction specialist Daniel Hall-Flavin, M.D., says heroin is highly addictive and creates a vicious downward spiral. He also says the increase of prescription opioids, the last 10-12 years, could be related to an increased use of heroin. Dr. Hall-Flavin adds, "It's prevalant, deadly but doesn't have to be."

Journalists: Sound bites with Dr. Hall-Flavin are available in the downloads.