Believe it or not, there are cases of "recreational drug use" in the animal kingdom. Just like humans, wild animals and livestock have discovered that some plants, herbs and fungi have medicinal properties...and some will get you really fucked up. And just like humans, there are consequences to addiction for our four-legged friends. Over 1,000 sheep in Australia, for example, "behaved like heroin addicts" and smashed their heads against posts until they died, after becoming addicted over time to the Darling Pea plant.
Some scientists propose that the desire to ingest mild-altering substances is instinctive, and is as persistent as the need for water, food, and shelter. Some believe that by altering
In the city of Baltimore, it is estimated that as many as one in ten people are addicted to heroin. Add to that number, prescription drug addiction and the use of other opiates, and the percentage of people suffering from abuse is staggering. The problem has spread to include the surrounding suburbs.
With addiction, homelessness often follows...especially amoung teens and young people.
