Recent【B1】show that more than half of the heroin addicts are less than 30 years of age.
Narcotic(麻醉剂) addiction in the United States is not limited【B2】heroin users. Some middle-aged and older persons who take narcotic drugs【B3】to relieve pain can also become addicted.【B4】do some people who can get drugs easily, such as doctors, nurses and【B5】Studies show that this type of addict has personality and emotional problems very similar【B6】those of other regular narcotic users.
Many addicts admit that getting a continued【B7】is the main objective of their lives. His concentration on getting drugs often【B8】the addict from continuing his education or his job. His health is often poor. He may be sick one day from effects of withdrawal and sick the next from an overdose. Statistics show that his life【B9】may be shortened by 15 to 20 years. He is usually in【B10】with his family and almost always in trouble with the law.
Some studies suggest that many of the known narcotic addicts had some trouble with the law before they became addicted. Once addicted, they may even become more【B11】in crime because it【B12】so much to support the heroin habit.
Most【B13】agree that the addict's involvement with crime is not a direct effect of the【B14】itself. Turning to crime is usually the only way he has of getting that much money. His【B15】are always thefts or other crimes against property.
Federal penalties for illegal usage were established under the Harrison Act of 1914. The Act【B16】that illegal possession of narcotics is punished by imprisonment. Sentences can【B17】from 2 to 10 years for further offences.
Illegal sale of narcotics can mean a【B18】of $20,000 and a sentence from 20 to 40 years for later offences. A person who sells narcotics to someone【B19】18 is refused parole and probation, even for the first offence. If the drug is heroin, he can be【B20】to life imprisonment or to death.
【B1】

A. amounts
B. statistic
C. figures
D. numbers