Staggering increase in US heroin use hits young, white men hardest

Washington

HEROIN use - which has been at the epicentre of a ruthless and relentless opioid epidemic sweeping the country - has increased fivefold over a decade, and dependence on the drug has tripled, researchers say.

A major study released on Wednesday found that the sharpest increase in heroin use and addiction was among young, white men with lower education and income levels.