Teens turn to heroin for cheaper high

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Heroin use among teenagers in Indiana is growing at record rates and has deadly consequences.  

A drug associated with the back alleys of major cities is quickly surging as the drug of choice for some teens. 

“There is not (a) particular type — this could be someone who comes from a very troubled background It could also be someone who comes from a very well-adjusted family and well-adjusted background,” said Dean Babcock with Mid-Town Community Mental Health Center. 
Babcock says there is an opiate epidemic in the Midwest. He says more and more teens are abusing prescription pain pills, which he says is the gateway drug to heroin because the highs are similar.

“If you become at a very early age addicted to opiate types of medication it does make perfect sense this would be the direction you would go,” Babcock said.

So why make the jump from pills to heroin? The answer is simple — cost. Just one pain pill can run upwards of $80 while a single hit of heroin can cost as little as $8 on the street

If you believe your child is showing signs of heroin use, like severe mood swings or a sharp decline in schoolwork, Babcock says get active because before you know it could be too late.