A Heroin Addict at the Age of 13: Jessica Polmann, 18
After five years of abusing the drug, she has been clean for five months
Jessica Polmann is one among a wave of teens and 20-year-olds across the Northeast who have become addicted to heroin and prescription opiates in the past decade.
Jessica started on heroin when she was 13. At first, she snorted the pure, cheap drug she had easy access to in East Rutherford, N.J. But by age 15, she had graduated to intravenous drug use
Now 18, she hopes that by speaking publicly about her experiences, she can help other young girls save themselves from living the unglamorous life of an addict.
Jessica recently spoke with U.S. News about her addiction. Excerpts:
On what she would tell other teenage girls. I would let them know that if you're going to use heroin, it's just going to lead to disaster. Females tend to disrespect the s--- out of themselves, and if they want to avoid sleeping with people for money, living on the street, and getting disrespected by anyone and everyone, then don't even go near it. Heroin will ruin your entire life.
On what she lost by becoming an addict. I don't remember any of my teenage years because I spent most of them using, in detox, or in rehab. It's not worth it to give up your entire life as a teenager just so you can be high. I wish I could have memories of prom, going to the beach, or just having fun. You know, normal girl stuff. I don't really even know what "normal girl stuff" means.
On rebuilding what were once broken relationships. I have a relationship with my sister now. When I see her here, it reminds me that I'm doing everything for her. I want to see her grow up. I don't want to see her go through what I went through or have her find me dead somewhere with a needle in my arm.
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