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A Deadly Problem: Heroin Use on the Rise

Summary: Heroin abuse and overdoses are on the rise. Dr. Marsha Ford helps shed some light on this lethal addictive drug.
Air Date: 2/14/14
Duration: 10
Host: Leigh Vinocur, MD
Guest Bio: Marsha Ford, MD
Dr. Marsha Ford practices medical toxicology and is director of North Carolina's state poison center. She is adjunct professor of emergency medicine at the University of North Carolina. Dr. Ford has received the American College of Emergency Physicians Council Meritorious Service Award in 2003. In 2001, she received the George Podgorny Service Award for Dedicated and Outstanding Service in the Field of Emergency Medicine, North Carolina College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Ford also received the Emergency Physician of the Year Award from the North Carolina College of Emergency Physicians in 1997. She is a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina.
A Deadly Problem: Heroin Use on the Rise
Is heroin abuse is on the rise?

The answer is yes. Since 2006, heroin use has doubled in the U.S.

Prescription medication and pain killers have been abused for decades. Now that these medications are becoming harder to come by, people are turning to heroin, because it is readily available on the street

Heroin overdoses have claimed the lives of many popular celebrities, including Janis Joplin, John Belushi, Chris Farley and most recently, popular Glee actor Corey Monteith and Oscar winner, Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Celebrities are not the only ones that are dying from heroin use. Teenagers all over the country -- even in suburban areas -- are gaining regular access to the drug.

In this segment, Dr. Marsha Ford joins Dr. Leigh to shine some light on this very real problem.

The fact of the matter is heroin is lethal. If you or a loved one suffers from drug use, there are many resources available to help you. Here are a few:

Official Heroin Hotline


Project Know

Free Addiction Helpline