Heroin is processed from morphines and comes naturally from different varieties of Poppy plants.  The fact that it is natural makes it no less dangerous then crystal meth or cocaine. 

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2006, 3.8 million Americans 12 years old and older tried heroin at least once in their lifetimes.  That is 1.5 percent of the population. One of the most difficult things for a heroin addict to bear is the fact that withdrawal sets in just hours after the last dose of heroin.  The withdrawal can produce such affects as vomiting, muscle and bone pain, and a strong craving for the drug.  Knowing how quickly withdrawal sets in, it is vital to get a heroin addict in a program before the feelings and effects from withdrawal make it impossible for the heroin addict to resist.

Intervention at this point is so valuable to the family members of the heroin addict.  It is almost as important to the family members as it is to the addict.  With a successful intervention comes a feeling of relief.  Not necessarily for the addict, but definitely for family members.  For an addict it may be overwhelming to think of the long road ahead of them.  For successful rehabilitation, the addict must know that they have a network of family and friends standing behind them.  Treatment centers, rehabilitation programs, and detox programs can offer the support and structure necessary to get the addict back on the road to recovery.