Drug and Alcohol Addiction and Treatment in Hartford, Connecticut
Connecticut is the state with the 7th worst drug problems, according to some studies, and it’s capital Hartford is one of the epicenters. Increasing substance abuse disorders have caused heroin and fentanyl overdoses to claim residents of the state. In 2017, Narcan, a medication used to block the effects of opioids, was used 4,000 times in Connecticut. In 2016, the state ranked 8th in college drug-related arrests, and in the 4th percentile for teenagers sold or offered an illegal drug on school property.
Heroin is the most common substance patients in Connecticut treatment facilities seek treatment for. According to the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Connecticut treatment facilities witnessed 29,221 admissions for heroin abuse in 2016. Heroin and other opioids combined totaled 52% of substance abuse treatment admissions.
In 2017, the number of heroin-related deaths increased by 27%. That year, Connecticut saw 107 Fentanyl-related deaths, and a combined total of 723 morphine, cocaine, and heroin-related deaths led to 723 deaths.
Prescription Opioid Abuse in Hartford
Hartford opioid abuse numbers increase daily. Opioid abuse disorders are apparent by the demand for these drugs throughout Hartford’s neighborhoods. Recently, police made 2 arrests in Hartford, seizing over 10,000 bags of heroin. Additionally, 3 Hartford residents were arrested for possessing half a kilogram of fentanyl.
Medical professionals are not exempt from opioid abuse. A recent news story revealed 18 local nurses have lost their licenses due to prescription opioid abuse. Because of the highly stressful nature of nursing, some nurses became dependent on opioids like morphine and oxycodone. As a result, their dependency on opioids has led them to prison time.
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Signs of Heroin Abuse
Heroin is a substance claiming the lives of thousands of people each year. While overdoses are not uncommon, some individuals struggling with heroin addiction can be functional, maintaining a job and family life. Due to their ability to function with this chemical abuse disorder, it is important to recognize the signs of a heroin abuse disorder. The most common signs of heroin abuse include:
- Lack of motivation
- Weight loss
- Borrowing or stealing money to support one’s habit
- Associating with people who use heroin
- Track marks in one’s arm
- Skin infections
- Bloody nose
- Loss of smell
The longer someone may be exposed to heroin without getting treatment, they are at risk for developing more severe health conditions. With prolonged heroin use, there is an increase in the tolerance for the drug, and people will begin craving it, resulting in addiction. Individuals grappling with a heroin chemical disorder are also more at risk of experiencing a fatal overdose. Heroin overdose symptoms range from dry mouth and bluish lips to tongue discoloration shallow breathing.
Get Help During COVID-19
With just 30 days at a rehab center, you can get clean and sober, start therapy, join a support group, and learn ways to manage your cravings.
There Is Hope for Hartford
Successfully battling a drug addiction is a challenging process and should be done with medical professionals and peer support available. Quitting cold turkey is not recommended. The lack of medical supervision can create distressing symptoms require support to reduce relapse. Treatment facilities offer the knowledge of staff and variety of treatments to help eliminate cravings. Future patients can use counseling to eliminate underlying emotional and mental conditions fueling addiction. They can benefit from wellness tools to live a life of health and sobriety. Help for you, a family member or a friend is available. Contact a treatment provider today.
