Heroin addiction is nothing new. Since it was created more than a century ago, people have injected, snorted or smoked heroin to experience the drug’s euphoric effects. But, if you’ve tuned into the local Florida news lately, you’ve no doubt seen the near-constant coverage of heroin addiction, overdose and even death. Florida heroin addiction isn’t just a state problem, though. People across the country are becoming addicted at an alarming rate. In this post, we’ll explore why.
The New Face of Heroin Addiction in Florida
In order to understand how the heroin epidemic in Florida and the rest of the country got so out of hand, we need to challenge inaccurate addiction stereotypes. Today’s heroin addict looks less like the over-the-top portrayals you see on TV and more like the people you encounter in your daily life – possibly even in your own family. In part, this has to do with the way many heroin addicts first come into contact with this highly addictive, dangerous substance.
From Prescription Pills to Illicit Powders
In the last few decades, opioid painkiller prescriptions have nearly quadrupled. While these drugs can be safe to use when taken as directed, they were never intended to be used as a long-term pain management solution due to their highly-addictive nature. Instead of recommending non-narcotic solutions, physicians became quick to prescribe painkillers. Naturally, with increased access to opioids comes increased risk of addiction.
When the prescriptions run out, some people will attempt to find other doctors willing to write new scripts for more opioid painkillers. Alternatively, some addicts may turn to the streets for heroin, where it is cheaper and often easier to obtain. If you think it’s a stretch to go from painkillers to heroin, consider this statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: People who abuse or are addicted to prescription opioid painkillers are 40 times as likely to abuse or become dependent on heroin.
Heroin Addiction is Just the Beginning
As an addict’s tolerance level increases, more heroin is required to achieve the desired effect. As a result, many users are tempted to experiment with more potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanyl. Unfortunately, these synthetics aren’t just more powerful, they’re many times more deadly. Even a “normal” dose of heroin can lead to respiratory failure if laced with fentanyl.
Heroin Addiction Rehab at Footprints Beachside Recovery
Our heroin addiction treatment program is a truly individual experience. Clients at Footprints Beachside can take advantage of group therapy, trauma therapy (where needed), dual diagnosis groups, expressive arts therapy, nutrition, personal training, massage therapy, daily gym, and sober outdoor activities near the calming waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If you or someone you love is suffering from heroin or opioid addiction, call us today. We are here to help.
