Heroin Use Increase in Camden County, New Jersey

There’s a heroin use increase in Camden County, New Jersey. More and more residents are choosing to abuse heroin. In fact, this is the primary drug abused by Camden County residents. It’s easy to get a hold of, fairly cheap in comparison to prescription opioids, and extremely potent.

“Heroin was the primary drug of 45%, or 2,981 out of 6,599, of total addiction treatment admissions in Camden County in 2016.”

The rising addiction and abuse rates surrounding heroin is a cause for concern. This drug can cause permanent bodily damage. It’s also responsible for the rising drug overdose death rates in New Jersey.

The Reason Behind this Rising Trend

What is causing heroin use increase in Camden County, New Jersey?

There are multiple factors that are in play. For one, 4 out of 5 heroin addicts started off abusing prescription opioids first. Once their prescription ran out, they had nowhere else to turn to. Heroin is one the easiest opioids to obtain illegally on the streets. It may also be a cheaper fix than prescription opioids that are obtained illegally.

Those who abuse heroin just once can get addicted to it immediately. Their body develops both a physical and chemical dependence on the drug. Without it, their brain chemistry levels become unstable, and they’ll experience intense withdrawal symptoms.

As more and more people are getting addicted to heroin, it is also becoming more easily available and accessible. Drug abusers who use heroin may encourage their friends to do the same. This causes the vicious cycle of addiction to continue to grow.

The Dangers of Heroin Abuse and Addiction

As national drug deaths are declining, New Jersey drug death rates are still climbing. From 2016 to 2017, New Jersey saw a 36% increase in drug overdose deaths, from 1,886 to 2,556 deaths. The final numbers haven’t come through yet, but there is no sign that this rising trend stopped in 2018. In fact, the death toll for opioid addictions appears to soar more and more every year.

Young adults are most vulnerable to getting addicted, and there are 4 to 5 times more young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 overdosing from heroin than any other age group.

Drug addicts who abuse heroin are not only at risk of overdosing, but they may also face serious consequences like:

  • An increased risk for bloodborne diseases
  • Weakened immune systems
  • Respiratory illnesses
  • Muscular weakness and even partial paralysis
  • Loss of memory and decreased cognitive performance
  • Depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders

Substance abusers who abuse heroin for longer periods of time are more likely to face more serious side effects. They will also have a significantly more difficult time recovering.

Put a Stop to this Epidemic

It’s time to end the heroin use increase rates once and for all, as they are a major contributor to the opioid epidemic in America. It’s time for the county to raise awareness of this issue and urge addicts to get the substance abuse treatment that they need to recover from an addiction to drugs and alcohol.

If you or your loved ones are addicted to heroin, get help immediately. Look for a drug rehab center that can help you get your life back on track. Sobriety is just one call away. There are many treatment centers and treatment programs out there that can help you.

Leave a Reply