a spoon, some foil, a syringe, and a white substance that appears to be heroin, spread on a marble countertop.

Controversial images like this often spark conversation.

Most people behind the accounts that post images of drugs appear to be in their late teens or early 20s. Some users post pictures of themselves shooting up. Others post pictures of their stash and track marks.

There are also plenty of videos of people who are obviously high, images of prescription pills with artsy Instagram filters, bruises, and blood – lots of blood. Disturbingly, many of those feeds feature pictures of children and/or pets right next to pictures of drugs and drug paraphernalia.    

A cry for help, drug porn or an avenue of inspiration?

Writer and Instagram user Bryan Alzate got clean when he was 17. The 25-year-old Florida resident was arrested several times, and his parents finally sent him to a treatment facility.

“One day I used OxyContin, which ruined my life ten times faster and quicker than crack did,” he said. “But I got clean before… (continue reading)