Drugs in Holyoke

In the past five years, Holyoke has become increasingly active with drugs. The types and severity of drugs range from marijuana all the way to cocaine and heroin. Many people in Holyoke have easy access to these drugs, and those who do have access are either using or selling to others.

Marijuana and Holyoke’s Youth

Among the youth of Holyoke, marijuana is the most common drug of choice. When you mix normal rebellious teenage habits with drugs, it can lead to a bad upbringing and is often a gate way to more serious drugs. When asked about the seriousness of a teenage marijuana habit, one anonymous user commented that “weed is harmless” and is “completely safe.” Although this a common belief, there are indeed studies proving long-term effects of marijuana such as weakening of the immune system, growth disorders, study difficulties, inability to understand things clearly, and personality and mood changes. Although marijuana can be used for medical reasons, much of the marijuana illegally sold is combined with other chemicals making the drug more harmful. If someone is using marijuana for medical reasons, it should be used for just that reason and should not be abused.

As stated above, marijuana can be a gateway to more serious drugs. For a teenager newly experimenting with marijuana, they get this “high” feeling which they want to keep or even make more intense, so to farther their “high” they search for other drugs. Marijuana may not have severe effects but once you try a more serious drug such as cocaine, it is very dangerous towards your health. Often time many people overdose and die as they search for the next, more intense “high.”

Heroin: A State of Emergency in Massachusetts

The search for a better “high” unfortunately leads to one of the most terrible drugs on the market: heroin. “Heroin and PCP are the most used drug in Holyoke. Most drugs are related to gang activity, and most people who use drugs start at the age of sixteen,” says Officer Phillip Evans of The Holyoke Police Department. “[For teenagers] these days, drugs are easier to get than alcohol,” he adds. For people with drugs problems, The HPD suggest visiting addiction centers such as Clean Slate on High Street.

Earlier this year, Gov. Deval Patrick had an announced a state of emergency from a high number of heroin overdoses. Many states nearby have also announced an increase in heroin use as heroin continues to get sold with cheap prices. The death toll nearing around 185 people have died from heroin overdoses within a 4 month period earlier this year. Even more deaths have increased from other drugs such as PCP, OxyContin and other prescribed drugs nearing in the thousands. To battle these overdoses, Patrick have ordered emergency health responders to carry Narcan, an overdose drug and also anti overdose drugs much easier to access to people with addiction problems. Most Heroin in the United States are believed to be coming from countries such as Mexico and Colombia. Drug trafficking has increased and to battle this, authorities has stepped up containing this problem.

It’s Not Worth It

All people should not abuse drugs for their pleasure. The exception of course are those who use medical drugs for medical reasons. Youth should not peer pressure others into drugs because the person you pressure, just might get into something more serious that could kill them. If you are being victimized into drugs you should refuse. Drugs does not make someone cool, it just an excuse to feel different. A DANGEROUS excuse to feel different. Remember to say NO to drugs.