Local town fights off addiction among teens

Although heroin may not be a mainstream drug among teens, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that approximately 29 percent of 12th graders said it is easy to obtain. Heroin is a highly addictive drug, and rehabilitation centers can provide individuals with the help they need to detoxify and turn their lives around.

Stanwood High School in Washington state has seen its fair share of illicit drug use among students, according to Komo News. Abigail Achison, 17, is just one of many students who found herself addicted to heroin due to the wide availability and low price.

"After the first time, I was completely hooked," Achison told the news source. "Some people start out slowly with other drugs. I just did heroin once, and I couldn't stop."

At a Stanwood town meeting, the local authorities and councilmen encouraged parents to play a more active role in their children's lives to deter them from substance abuse. Last year, the NSDUH found that nearly 91,000 people aged 12 or older tried heroin for the first time. Substance abuse programs for youth can help teens overcome addiction.