The Horrors of Heroin

Regarding your article about the comeback of heroin in the ‘90s and its impact within the rock music industry (Pop Eye, Aug. 23):

People, especially the young adults who listen to rock ‘n’ roll, need to know that heroin is not just a carefree party drug that can be put out of their life when they finally outgrow it.

One month ago, my 29-year-old brother died. What killed him? Heroin. He wasn’t a rock-star junkie; he was just a junkie like thousands of others worldwide. He tried to stop using, so many times I have lost count, in many different recovery programs.

I have read some of the journals he kept during his time in two different recovery homes. The suffering he describes in them (both physical and mental) is tough for a grieving sister to imagine. But it does help explain why heroin always won the battle and reclaimed its place as his best friend, his sole obsession and, ultimately, the tormentor of his soul.

Heroin always came back to take him away from his family and all the people who loved him. You see, heroin is an addictive drug, and once it is in your mind and in your veins, you are no longer in the driver’s seat. Heroin will drive your life, and the person you once were is just along for the ride.

Here’s the truth, kids: Using heroin doesn’t make you rock-star hip and daring--it makes you dead. Period.

LAURA NAUGHTON

Oceanside