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Challenges with Substance Abuse Treatment for Heroin Addiction

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Heroin addiction has reached epidemic rates in the USA and Canada, and there are many challenges when it comes to substance abuse treatment for this problem. There are many different types of programs and facilities, each with specific treatment methods and techniques offered. Insurance coverage and the cost of treatment also play a role in the decisions made. Many insurance companies in the USA will not pay for inpatient care for heroin addiction, although these same insurers will often pay for medical detox and inpatient treatment for alcoholism. The reasoning from many insurers is that heroin addiction is not a medical emergency that can lead to death. Try telling that to someone whose child is at a risk for overdose and death. Every time heroin is used there is a risk of death, and emergency rooms across North America see these cases every day.

Heroin addiction is an insidious problem, and substance abuse treatment is needed but many people can not get help when they seek it at a community program or local facility because of long waiting lists or being unable to afford the cost of an effective inpatient program and treatment regimen. The most effective programs will involve individual counseling, a soothing and peaceful environment, and a wide range of treatment methods and options to choose from. If you or someone you love struggle with a heroin addiction then treatment is critical, continued use of this drug often leads to an early death from an overdose or other medical complications related to heroin use.

Does Prescription Painkiller Abuse Raise The Risk Of Heroin Use?

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According to some of the latest research results from SAMHSA’s Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality the illegal use or abuse of any narcotic prescription drugs will increase the risk of heroin use by a considerable amount. The study states that those who have abused prescription drugs in the past were as much as 19 times more likely to engage in heroin abuse. Americans who were between the ages of 12 years old and 49 years old, and who had previously abused prescription drugs intended to relieve pain, were much more likely to turn to heroin abuse within the following year than those who have never abused narcotic prescription drugs. The study did note that a little under 4% of this population had used heroin in the 5 years following the prescription drug abuse though.

Non medical use of prescription painkillers often causes addiction, and this can lead to serious or permanent injury or even death in some cases. In 2011 the number of Americans that admitted heroin abuse had doubled when compared to the levels for 2007, and this trend is alarming. The rate for this form of drug abuse in individuals under 12 did not change, but the rate for those between 12 years old and 49 years old skyrocketed. What was surprising is that the rate for heroin use was lowest in the southern USA, but this region still had high prescription drug abuse rates. The study also showed that African Americans were the least likely to turn to heroin abuse when compared to other ethnic groups and racial populations. What reasons can you think of for these differences?