Heroin, opioids, opiates, and related drugs have always been risky to use and abuse. In recent decades, the opioid epidemic called attention to the number of overdoses and overdose fatalities that have been wreaking havoc on the lives of Americans for far too long. Newer synthetic opiates, like fentanyl and other street drugs, have made drug use and even drug experimentation increasingly risky.
If you or someone you care about is using heroin or other drugs, it’s vital to intervene as soon as possible to protect them from today’s hazardous drug scene. Reach out to the professionals at Silicon Beach Tx at [Direct] to speak with a trained representative who can tell you more about our heroin addiction treatment program, customized to meet your individual needs.
The Many Dangers of Heroin Use
It’s common knowledge that heroin is not safe to use or abuse. People often do not immediately begin substance abuse with heroin or related opioids. Prescription opiates and other prescription drugs are often a gateway to street drugs.
Sometimes, a person may be given prescription opiates like Percocet or Vicodin after minor surgery. During recovery, they may run out of the initial prescription and discover they have developed dependence, which can lead to challenging withdrawal symptoms. When they ask a doctor to refill the medication and are denied, some turn to illicit street drugs like heroin.
A significant problem with heroin in modern times is that people no longer buy pure heroin. Instead, they typically end up with a mixture cut with the synthetic opiate fentanyl. Fentanyl is highly potent and addictive.
Not All Overdoses Are Alike
Recently, a drug called “tranq” (xylazine) has entered the street drug marketplace and is creating new issues. When people cut drugs with tranq, the desired euphoric effects of heroin are present, but withdrawal, tolerance, and overdoses become even more problematic. Tranq is a drug that veterinarians typically use as a tranquilizer.
Narcan (naloxone) has been an amazing life-saving medication that people can use in the case of an overdose on opiates. This medication is a massive success in terms of harm reduction. The introduction of naloxone is also a serious game-changer in the number of overdose fatalities that result specifically from heroin and opiate-related overdoses.
Tranq and other chemicals cut with opiates complicate overdoses. This drug mixture can make naloxone less effective in overdose situations. When mixed with heroin, fentanyl, or other opiates, tranq can depress the respiratory system, increasing the risk of overdose.
Tranq can cause other medical issues, including:
- Anemia
- Severe iron deficiency
- An increase in the likelihood of infections
The Importance of Harm Reduction Strategies
The introduction of drugs like tranq is a reminder of the importance of harm reduction strategies. These include making test strips available, so those who have developed an addiction can do their best to be aware of what chemicals they put in their bodies.
There is a false narrative that those who abuse drugs are not concerned with their health and safety. Many who use and abuse drugs have developed addictions by accident due to mental health issues, life tragedies, and many other reasons that deserve compassion and empathy. Helping people with addictions reduce the harm to themselves and their loved ones is essential to recovery and protecting those in society who are most at risk.
Contact Silicon Beach Tx Today about Heroin Addiction Recovery
It’s essential to remember that it is never too late to get your life back on track. At Silicon Beach Tx, we treat each of our clients with the respect and dignity they deserve. Our medical and mental health practitioners are here to help you get your life back on track. Contact us today at [Direct] to speak with a specialist who can tell you more about our heroin addiction treatment program and mental health counseling services.
We look forward to helping you on your path to recovery so you can lead a positive and healthy lifestyle in recovery.
