America's Heroin Epidemic
While investigating rampant drug use in Ohio, Lisa also befriended Merry, a young mother who is five months pregnant with her second child. Like many of the men and women in her community, this 24-year-old is battling a powerful heroin addiction.
Growing up, Merry says she spent her days cheerleading and dreaming of a career in education or nursing. Then, during her teenage years, she says she began living a double life. "I was getting drunk on the weekends," she says. "I was doing cocaine and acid and other drugs. I guess heroin just wasn't too much of a further step."
Merry says she tried heroin for the first time when she was 17 years old. "Right away, I was hooked," she says.
Over the years, Merry's dangerous drug addiction has affected every aspect of her life. "It's destroyed my family. It's destroyed my self-esteem," she says. "I have been in so many bad situations."
When her daughter, Riley, was just 1 1/2 years old, Merry had to forfeit custody to her mother. Now, she fears for the safety of her unborn child. "I think about it every day," she says.
Growing up, Merry says she spent her days cheerleading and dreaming of a career in education or nursing. Then, during her teenage years, she says she began living a double life. "I was getting drunk on the weekends," she says. "I was doing cocaine and acid and other drugs. I guess heroin just wasn't too much of a further step."
Merry says she tried heroin for the first time when she was 17 years old. "Right away, I was hooked," she says.
Over the years, Merry's dangerous drug addiction has affected every aspect of her life. "It's destroyed my family. It's destroyed my self-esteem," she says. "I have been in so many bad situations."
When her daughter, Riley, was just 1 1/2 years old, Merry had to forfeit custody to her mother. Now, she fears for the safety of her unborn child. "I think about it every day," she says.
Published 09/29/2008