Heroin has entered mainstream culture in a high-purity form that can be sniffed or smoked instead of injected.
High school and college students, lured by this inexpensive new method, mistakenly believe that it is less addictive than “shooting up."
Addictive properties create a craving for repeated use, with tolerance and physical dependence developing rapidly, and severe withdrawal symptoms occur when use is discontinued.

There is a high risk of overdose, and mortality rates are higher than ever.


Teenage use of cocaine, a highly addictive stimulant, has increased because it is inexpensive and easy to obtain.
Even one-time use of cocaine can result in seizures, heart attack and sudden death.
Cocaine is a fine white powder that can be snorted, injected, or pressed into pills.


“Crack”, a smokeable form of cocaine that resembles a small white or tan rock, is more potent and lethal than cocaine and almost immediately addictive.
Euphoria resulting from smoking “crack” cocaine is followed directly by a devastating depression which encourages repeated use.