If you ask kids what they think the most evil thing in the world is, I guarantee they'll say something along the lines of "monsters" or "the boogeyman." Pre-teens will probably say something like "acne" or "the boy/girl who stole my boy/girlfriend". But when you get to teenagers, the answers change.

Not too long ago, their answers would be simple and seemingly innocent. Today, the answer is almost unanimous, and terrifying.

"Heroin."

The word rings through the ears of not only us, but through the ears of every high school student, and in some places, it has begun to plague the middle schools. Heroin is an evil, evil thing. I personally have begun to refer to it as the "devil's juice" and the "devil's advocate" because of how awful this stuff really is.

But let me clarify something before I continue.

This absolutely needs to be addressed.

It is not. I REPEAT. It is NOT the user's fault.

I respect your opinion if you think otherwise, but I will tell you from the bottom of my heart that I will never blame an addiction or overdose on the user. Because they are victims. Victims of this deadly addiction. Trapped in a hole that seems to be getting deeper and deeper. It is not their fault. Blame society and crappy social structures for the introduction of this deadly concoction into the lives of our peers.

Everyone falls into the cracks of the foundation that's supposed to be supporting us. Remember that before you judge.

We need to start finding ways to end this problem before it begins. Educating high school students about the dangers of this drug is one way, and getting dealers off the street is another. But dealers cannot be detained if there isn't a group effort. I get that no parent wants to see their child in jail, whatever. But no parent wants to bury their child either, and I think that's the worst of the two.

I have seen so many of my friends and peers get involved with this stuff, and it really sucks. The worst of it though, is losing so many of these friends and peers to this stuff.

Many people seek help at a rehab center, and that's great. There's nothing to be ashamed of. I wish I could write that in huge letters and just let everyone know that there is nothing to be ashamed of if you recognize that what you're doing isn't good for you, and you're heading somewhere to do something about it. Seriously, go you! Even if you can't find a rehab center that's affordable or is covered by insurance or whatever, you can still find ways to beat this. You are strong, and the suffering you'll go through during withdrawals will be worth it in the end.

To the friends I have lost,

you'll forever be in our hearts.

To the friends who are battling,

you are strong, and we're all rooting for you.

To the individuals who distribute this, you are murderers, and have no regard for other human life. End of story. I hope you're proud of ruining lives. I will never defend you, you are not misunderstood, you are murderers. I cannot express that enough. You are not blind, you see what this does to people and you don't care. You continue to sell it even after someone dies from what YOU had given them. You are not stuck. You are selfish.

Rest peacefully Julia, Anthony, Logan and all the other lives that were taken too early at the hands of this deadly drug. We miss you.

If you or someone you know is battling a drug addiction, call 1-855-378-4373 for help.