Heroin use disorders triple over decade

About 1.6% of U.S. adults reported using heroin at some point in their life when surveyed in 2012-2013, with 0.7% meeting the criteria for a heroin use disorder, according to a study published online this week by JAMA Psychiatry. That’s up from 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively, in 2001-2002, the study found. The authors used the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions to examine changes, patterns and demographics associated with heroin use. “Of note, increases have been greatest among men, white individuals, those with low income and educational levels, and, for heroin use disorder, younger individuals,” they said.