[Aliska]

There was no heroin around in the 80's. Media talking heads claim that the problem arose from lack of prescription pain killers. It is, and will always be demand and supply. There is suddenly a huge supply of highly addictive, pure heroin, in our American cities. Why?

There has been in big cities like New York since before the 80's. Otherwise you are correct that it wasn't available in smaller towns and cities.

Morphine is a prescription pain killer derived from the same poppy plant that produces heroin. You mean we have a shortage of that and/or it doesn't work?

I don't know why anyone would willingly want to do heroin unless they want to make money from it. It is totally stupid, make that almost suicidal, to play with highly addictive drugs.

I've known heroin addicts, more than I would have thought in my lifetime. They say cigarettes are worse for addiction. I don't believe it. I quit 2+ packs a day cold turkey about 3 years ago now, with God's help. Heroin can kill you if you try to quit cold turkey and I think it would be more addictive even though I've never tried any street drugs.

[Kozak]

Actually there was a shortage of morphine about a year ago. We had a real tough time keeping it in stock at hospitals.

[Kozak]

Also opiates like heroin do NOT cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
They are very addictive and withdrawal is very uncomfortable, but not dangerous. Alcohol, and benzodiazepines, like Valium are much more dangerous to withdraw from.

[varyouga]

Opiate withdrawal can feel like you’re dying but it can’t directly kill you.

Alcohol withdrawal can