Pelham Heroin Addicts Need Greater Access to Addiction Treatments at New Hampshire Rehab Centers
In the second half of November, Pelham experienced a spike in drug overdose deaths associated with heroin use. Officials are saying the overdoses are being caused by a new, deadly batch of heroin mixed with dangerous opioids such as fentanyl. Community members and advocacy groups in favor of drug prevention and addiction treatments are now saying the state must increase access to beds at New Hampshire rehab centers to help residents suffering from opioid addiction.
If you or someone you care about is addicted to heroin or painkillers, get help right away to lower the risk for an accidental overdose. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to consult with an addiction specialist who can connect you with local rehab centers devoted to guiding you or your loved one along the path to sobriety.
Addressing the Heroin Overdose Epidemic in Pelham
Pelham police believe the rise in overdoses is due to heroin being mixed with synthetic opioids.
Pelham police Lt. Anne Perriello says the recent overdoses are being caused by substances far stronger than heroin, and that not all victims can be saved using an opioid overdose antidote drug called naloxone. According to Pelham police, three of the drug-related overdose calls came in within 24 hours; one victim died, while the other two were revived with naloxone and taken to the hospital.
Police are suspecting that the batch of heroin causing overdoses is being mixed with synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, which is up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Due to the high potency levels of drugs like fentanyl, overdose victims often require several doses of naloxone to be revived. Unfortunately, even several doses of naloxone can sometimes fail to revive many of these overdose victims.
Selectman Hal Lynde, founder of the Pelham Community Coalition, says his organization’s goal is to increase awareness about substance abuse among local communities. The coalition is currently working with schools to develop mentorship programs, and adds that education about drug abuse must also begin at home. According to Lynde, parents are the first line of defense, and have the greatest influence on children when it comes to matters of substance abuse and addiction.
Treating Opioid Addiction at Rehab Centers
Lynde feels that New Hampshire could offer better support for residents who struggle with substance abuse and opioid addiction. He relates that while Pelham and neighboring communities are intent on fighting opioid abuse, the state lacks beds and support in terms of addiction treatment. At present, Pelham is considering launching a Safe Stations program similar to those in Nashua and Manchester to connect addicts with New Hampshire rehab centers that treat opioid addiction.
Drug rehab centers that specialize in opioid addiction have access to medications, therapies, and other treatments proven successful at helping addicts overcome physical dependence and addiction. In addition to guiding addicts through detoxification and withdrawal from opioids, rehab centers offer behavioral counseling to help addicts identify and address behaviors and actions that can lead to addiction.
If you suffer from heroin or painkiller addiction and live in Pelham or a neighboring community, call our helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about your local rehab options. Nobody should have to overcome opioid addiction on their own — our treatment specialists will help you find New Hampshire rehab centers devoted to helping you overcome substance abuse.
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