We mourn the recent deaths of celebrities such
as Philip Seymour Hoffman and Corey Montieth but heroin has been a problem for
decades, and not just for celebrities, but for every day people from all walks
of life.
In January 2014, 22 people in Pennsylvania died
in one week due to fentanyl laced heroin.
We often hear that the overdoses are happening because of a “bad” or
tainted batch of heroin, similar to what happened in Pennsylvania. It’s
important that we remember that there is no “good” batch of heroin in
existence.
In the past year alone, New York, Connecticut,
Vermont and Florida (amongst many other States) have reported record numbers of
heroin overdoses. We still await the
final numbers from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, but 2014 could be the
worst year with respect to this silent killer.
Why the increase now?
Here are a few reasons:
· Prescription drug use of
painkillers have increased 300% in the past decade alone. Abuse of prescription
opiate pain killers (i.e., Oxycontin, Vicodin, etc) are behind heroin's growth in
popularity with young people: these pills are the doorway to heroin abuse. Prescription drug abuse is still more
prevalent and responsible for more deaths than heroin and cocaine combined.
(CDC)
· It’s cheap: Individuals become
addicted to expensive pain killers initially and then need to buy painkillers
on the 'street', but the pills cost between $20 -$50 each (or more). Heroin is inexpensive and accessible ($10.00 a
bag).
· Geographics:
The vast majority of heroin in the United States comes from Colombia and Mexico, not Afghanistan, and we have not seen any evidence of a shift in
this trend. According to DEA, the amount of heroin seized at the
Southwest border increased 324 percent from 2008 to 2013 (Office of National
Drug Control Policy). This geographic proximity impacts availability and the
increase in use.
How do
overdoses happen? According to NIDA, “heroin is converted back into morphine,
which binds to molecules on cells known as opioid receptors. These receptors
are located in many areas of the brain (and in the body), especially those
involved in the perception of pain and in reward. Opioid receptors are also
located in the brain stem, which controls automatic processes critical for
life, such as blood pressure, arousal, and respiration.
Heroin overdoses frequently involve a suppression of breathing, which can be
fatal.” Interestingly, most overdoses
happen in the presence of other users, which is why the New York State Good
Samaritan Law is so important. The law, which took effect on September 18th,2011
encourages people to call 911 if they experience or see a drug or alcohol
overdose, without fear of being charged with possessing small amounts of drugs.
Heroin
craving can persist years after drug use stops, and can be triggered by
exposure to stress or people, places, and things associated with drug use. The
best way to prevent your child from becoming addicted is to educate yourself
about the signs and symptoms of both alcohol and drug abuse and take action as
soon as you suspect that your child may be using. Know the risks of heroin use
which include fatal overdose, high risk of infections
such as HIV/AIDS, collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and valves,
and liver disease.
Most
importantly, develop healthy communication with your child so that you can
better recognize any changes that may occur with substance use. Your child will
be more likely to seek you out if he or she has a problem if open communication
has been established. Drug addiction is
a disease, and can be prevented and treated. There is also overdose prevention
being offered at Putnam Family and Community Services. The next training will
be on May 3rd from 12-2PM. For more information, please visit http://www.drugcrisisinourbackyard.com/events.html
A
great link for all this information can be found at the Parents Resource
Center, sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug Free America at the web site http://www.drugfree.org
Members of the
Putnam County CTC Coalition are available if you have any questions on any
substance abuse trends that affect our children. There are self-help groups and
treatment options available right here in Putnam County. Please call the National Council on
Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies at 845-225-4646 for anonymous
information and referral or visit http://putnamncadd.org/
Please visit and
join us on Facebook by searching “Putnam County Communities That Care – NY” or
follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/PutnamCTCNY or call 845-225-4646.
Sources: CDC,
NIDA, ONDCP
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