Heroin Addiction by Peggy J. Parks is focused on giving its readers an understanding of what heroin addiction involves and who it impacts. The author does this by breaking the book into different sections, including topics on what heroin addiction is, how serious heroin addiction is in the United States, how it can impact health, how people may get treatment for Opioid Use Disorder, what can be done on the opioid epidemic, key people/advocacy groups, a timeline of heroin addiction, and a list of other readings in case you want to learn more.

Although some of the terminology in this book is outdated, the content in the book is relevant. It is in a format that allows the reader to choose what content is most important to them to learn more about heroin addiction. This makes it a quick reference book for people who want to have an overview of various aspects of heroin addiction.

This book features many quotes from people impacted by heroin addiction, such as persons with opioid use disorder, their families, doctors, scientists, and organizations. These quotes give insight into the disease and how it impacts people in different ways.

There is also information on signs of heroin addiction, which include:

• Dramatic weight loss
• Pupils in the eyes that appear tinier than normal
• A dazed look, as if the person is daydreaming

If you or a loved one has been affected by Opioid Use Disorder, or you just want to learn more about what it is like to live with an addiction to heroin, this book is a good place to find information.

To read Heroin Addiction (Health and Wellness Library General Collection 5822.H4P38 2015) or learn more about opioid addiction please visit the Health and Wellness Library located at VCU Health, Gateway Building, ground floor.

Reviewed by: Katelyn Schifano, Outreach Specialist for VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies