We have developed strong relationships with the nation’s most effective drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. Call us today. We can help: (866) 781-3882
Heroin and opioid addiction has been one of the never-ending headaches in the United States. While some states have a moderate impact on drug abuse, it has become prevalent and an epidemic in OH.
According to the reports, the Ohio drug problem increased by 35% in 2020. Between 500 to 700 people in Ohio have died due to heroin overdose in just a month.
Table of Contents:
Heroin FactsOhio Drug Problem – OverviewStatistics: Heroin Use and Abuse TodayStatistics of Heroin Abuse in OhioWho is at High Risk of Heroin Abuse?Why Heroin Overdose Worsened in Ohio?Treatment of Heroin OverdoseWhat Can You Do to Prevent Heroin Overdose?
Heroin Facts
Heroin belongs to the class of opioid drugs that produce euphoric effects on the body.It is extracted from the seed pots of the opium plants in Southeast and Southwest Mexico, Asia, and Columbia.It is available in brown, white, and black colors.It is listed under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
To know more about Heroin, its short and long-term effects, and treatment, refer to our Heroin Drug Facts page.
Ohio Drug Problem – Overview
Heroin had been in use since the 20th century and was prescribed by doctors for pain relief. Later due to heroin dependence and abuse, the U.S Government banned the drug under the Heroin Drug Act of 1924.
The drug addiction levels dropped down for decades after the act, but they rose again in 1965 due to the availability of Heroin in the black market. The number of heroin addiction cases rose to 800,000 in the United States. This grew to epidemic levels in the 21st century as heroin was used as an alternative to prescription painkillers.
Statistics: Heroin Use and Abuse Today
According to recent reports, nearly 400,000 Americans above 12 have used heroin or other opioids once in their lifetime.More than 25,000 Americans die every year due to heroin overdoseNearly 40% of road accidents have occurred due to heroin overdose in the past five years.On an average day, nearly 600 Americans intake heroin.About 80% of the prescribed heroin users abuse heroin and become heroin-dependent.
Statistics of Heroin Abuse in Ohio
According to trusted sources, the heroin overdose in Ohio has increased to epidemic levels since 2010.Of every 14 heroin and opioid overdose deaths, 9 of the deaths are reported in Ohio.The most affected is Butler county that reported 75% of the heroin overdose cases.
Who is at High Risk of Heroin Abuse?
People addicted to prescription opioid painkillers.People addicted to COC.People addicted to MMJ and Alcohol.People in metropolitan cities and towns.Males in the range of 18 to 25 years.
Why Heroin Overdose Worsened in Ohio?
Several psychological and physical problems have led to the increase in the intake of heroin by the Ohioans. But this worsening is due to the emergence of the pandemic. Most people in Ohio use heroin and other opioid drugs as a distraction to the threat of the Coronavirus outbreak. This kind of dependency on heroin would have led to addiction.
The pandemic had not only integrated the families that were far apart but also shattered the hopes of the working population. Many have lost their jobs, their businesses went down, which creates depression and stress.
Ohioans manage stress by taking heroin and other abusive opioids that could affect their health in the long run. According to recent reports, heroin abuse in Ohio increased by 35% to 40% in 2019-2020.
The magnitude of the heroin epidemic has hit the health care system and the community at large. This may be due to the below reasons apart from the pandemic.
Social isolationLack of mental awarenessDrug overdose
These are some of the reasons that have a combined effect on the individual to take heroin illegally or above prescription that lead to addiction issues.
Treatment of Heroin Overdose
The Ohio government has come up with several policies and programs to curb heroin overdose. As per their guidelines, they have enhanced the roles of pharmacists and healthcare professionals to get the opioid epidemic under control.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program – The Ohio Government has come up with the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to conduct non-opioid therapy and enroll them in the PDMP before prescribing them heroin or other opioids.Reduce the supply of Heroin – Reducing the supply of heroin and creating a supply-on-demand with the approval of medical professionals can curb the heroin overdose.Dispensation of Naloxone – The Government has allowed the dispensation of Naloxone, which has the properties of reversing the effects of Heroin and other opioids. The government has expanded access to naloxone and conducts training programs to administer naloxone to reduce heroin overdose deaths.Nasal Sprays – In 2015, the FDA introduced the nasal spray – Narcan, which can be sprayed into one nostril that can reduce the effects of heroin. In 2021, the FDA came up with a higher dose of naloxone nasal spray Kloxxado that can be used by family members or caregivers to reduce the effects of heroin.Home Drug Test Kits – You need to check yourself on Heroin overdose by using a high-quality Home Urine Drug Testing Kit to know the levels of heroin in your body. This will help you to keep track of the drug levels in your body so that you can manage the drug intake.
What Can You Do to Prevent Heroin Overdose?
Use Heroin and other opioid drugs as per doctor’s prescription.Know how to respond to heroin overdose.Get help from the Ohio government on heroin abuse through their helpline.Report when you find your loved ones or friends are under heroin abuse.
Final Words
There is always a solution to the problem, and so to the heroin epidemic. If you think you or your friend is under heroin abuse, meet a trained medical professional and get into a rehabilitation program. Let us join hands and curb the Ohio drug addiction and create a peaceful and drug-free society.