Heroin in America

By Anthony Brooks, Chris Arnold, Susan Chisholm, Brian Mann and Patricia Neighmond, National Public Radio (NPR)

This five-part series reveals not only the extent of heroin addiction in America , but also the changing nature of the drug, the way it is abused and the hope for treatment. This series originally aired on the NPR program Morning Edition from February 23 through February 27, 2004 .

Audio Files

Part I: The New Users
In the 1970s, the average heroin user was 28 to 30 years old and an urban dweller. Today, the average addict is a white, middle-class teenager. Meet the new generation of heroin users -- and the more addictive form of heroin they're hooked on. Reporting by Anthony Brooks

Part II: Families Fight Back
Last year, the state of Massachusetts saw some 36,000 admissions into heroin treatment programs. In Boston, things have gotten so bad that a group of everyday people decided to take matters into their own hands by forming the South Boston Family Resource Center. Reporting by Chris Arnold.

Part III: From Patient to Addict
Many addicts trace their problem back to work-related injuries. They got hooked on painkillers they received from their doctors, and turned to heroin when they couldn't get those prescriptions renewed. Reporting by Susan Chisholm.

Part IV: Life With Methadone
Because methadone clinics are rare, especially in rural areas, many recovering heroin addicts are forced to commute hours each day just to get their medicine. Reporting by Brian Mann.

Part V: New Treatments
Unlike the traditional approach of painful detox, a new heroin treatment regimen uses prescription drugs and can be obtained in participating doctors' offices. Health officials are hoping the therapy will be particularly useful for young users, before their addiction causes bigger problems. Reporting by Patricia Neighmond.

To learn more about heroin, click here.