AHS Views

Heroin users definitely need to get whatever addiction help they need to become drug free.

In a recent follow up study by the Drug Treatment Centre and Advisory Board in Dublin, Ireland, it was found that half the pregnant women treated for heroin addiction in 1985 are now dead. The women were in their late teens or early 20s in 1985 and the follow up study found 29 of them did not survive. HIV killed 17 of them, 28 died from medical illness such as pneumonia or heart failure and four died from suicide – two of which were drug overdoses.

Of the survivors, nine tested positive for heroin and 14 tested positive for heroin and at least one other drug.

The researchers also followed up on the children of the dead mothers and found that 37% had spent time in prison and 42% had a history of drug abuse.

It’s a sad outcome for so many women and their children. The ones who are still alive and still young might be able to get the drug addiction help they need. This is really something to think about if you know someone who is abusing prescription painkillers or heroin.

Addiction help services and treatment is available and you can lead a drug and alcohol free life. Heroin abuse and methamphetamines can lead to HIV and other illnesses that do kill you. Get the help you need. It is possible to end drug addiction, don’t end up dead.