The Rise of Heroin Abuse in Alabama

February 21,2013

There is no part of the United States that is free of drugs; Alabama unfortunately, is witnessing a rise in heroin abuse.

There is no part of the United States that is free of drugs; Alabama unfortunately, is witnessing a rise in heroin abuse. The grip that heroin can have on an individual is intensely powerful and often instantaneous.

As one of the most addictive substances known in the history of mankind, it can take as little as one hit of heroin to start an addiction. Users describe a heroin trip as euphoric, relaxing, and body and mind numbing. The sensations are so great that the following withdrawal is drastically harsh. As soon as the trip is over, users will feel uneasy, anxiety, and many other uncomfortable symptoms which quickly drive them to find their next dose.

Heroin is generally shot into a vein with a syringe. This is known as the quickest way to get high with the most powerful effect. Sold as a powder, heroin can also be smoked. It wasn't until recently (in the last few years), that users began snorting the drug. Law enforcement believes this is because up until the last couple of years, heroin was not sold in a pure form. It was cut with sugar and other similar looking substances. In 2010, there was an obvious switch from un-pure heroin on the streets, to pure heroin. This has led to the drug being snorted, which has opened a new market for drug users. It has made it that much easier to ensnare first time users. Before, a person might not be ready to stick a needle in their arm, but pure heroin is allowing for more people to try the drug by snorting it.

People who choose to go to rehab to treat their heroin addiction also face a daunting road. Withdrawal from heroin can be physically and mentally frustrating. Not only do people suffer from bone and muscle aches, dehydrations, cramps and nausea, but they often go through long lasting depression, anxiety and intense mood swings as well. In Alabama, four long-term drug users were interviewed after several weeks at a rehabilitation facility. They remarked that the addiction was intensely hard to break, and that rehabilitation was even harder to endure then they expected. Even worse, all four recovering addicts were quick to explain that heroin's presence in Alabama is overwhelming. From one end of a city to another, one woman said she could find the substance anywhere and from multiple dealers.

One particular county in the state, Jefferson County, experienced 44 deaths due to heroin overdose in 2012 and recorded far more hospitalizations. Law enforcement feels that the availability of pure heroin is partly to blame. Many are not aware of the strength of small amounts, and new users are especially at risk for overdosing. Another reason to why so many have died from the drug may be due to the lack of other opioids, mainly prescription drugs on the streets. Previously, individuals could crush up prescription opiates and snort or shoot them just like heroin. But since stricter policies have won out, and a new formula for these pills made it nearly impossible to crush and shoot pills, people are turning to heroin. In some cases, it is cheaper and more powerful than the prescription pill version. However, the problem remains that these people who turn from one drug to heroin, are not aware of its potency and often overdose themselves.

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For over ten years, A Center For Addiction Recovery has offered a wide array of comprehensive treatment programs and services to those in need. Offering a unique blend of traditional and holistic methods, we provide our patients with the opportunity to develop life-management skills, relapse prevention techniques, and a better understanding of drug abuse and its harmful effects. Our treatment programs at A Center For Addiction Recovery are based on several components that are essential for every successful recovery:

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