Heroin abuse is a problem that plagues the nation. It is the most addictive illicit substance across the globe. Considering the heroin addiction rates in the U.S., there are some states with much higher rates of heroin abuse, compared to other states.
There are five states that have the highest rates of heroin abuse across the U.S., with these states likely appearing among the states with the highest numbers of heroin-related deaths. Some people do not initially realize the serious consequences of heroin abuse, and end up as a heroin overdose or addiction statistic.
Heroin is a highly addictive substance. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that the repercussions from using heroin extends ‘far beyond’ the repercussions experienced by individual heroin users. NIDA also indicates that heroin use has been increasing for more than 10 years. This means that repercussions extend beyond the circles of individuals that use heroin.
People use heroin across their own state lines, use heroin transported from other states, and that has potential effects on individuals that do not use heroin. Some repercussions of heroin within and beyond the top 5 states with heroin abuse include:
- Disruptions in family life
- Impact on workplaces
- Impact on educational environments
- Increased risk of contracting hepatitis
- Increased risk of contracting and transmitting HIV/AIDS
- Effect on crime rates overall and that includes crimes of violence
These repercussions likely affect you, your loved ones, and complete strangers, whether you reside in one of the top 5 states with heroin abuse, or whether you reside in another state.
What are the Top 5 States with Heroin Abuse?
The rates of heroin abuse have increased exponentially over the past several years. Some people turn to heroin because of the clampdown on the over-prescribing prescription opioids. This likely contributed to the increase of heroin abuse and heroin addiction.
The top 5 states with heroin abuse include:
- Vermont
- Delaware
- West Virginia
- New Hampshire
- Maryland
There are several other states with significant heroin abuse, overdose, and death rates, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York, and Kentucky. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that from 2016 through 2017, the states of Illinois, Virginia, and California also had significant increases in drug overdose death rates that involved heroin.
The Daily Beast reported that the number of individuals admitted to treatment programs for heroin abuse in New Hampshire increased by 90 percent over a decade. Delaware Online referred to a 2014 report indicating that during the previous year, more people sought treatment than in all years since 1987, a time of excessive abuse and addiction.
What if I Do Not Live in One of the Top 5 States with Heroin Abuse?
Heroin abuse is a chronic problem across the country. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) reported that between 2013 and 2016, the number of heroin-related drug poisoning deaths across the U.S. nearly doubled. Wherever you live, Crestview Recovery welcomes you into treatment. Whether you use heroin alone, or whether you need treatment for other addictions.
Heroin enters the brain quickly, and has both short-term and long-term effects. When you get that first rush or euphoric feeling, you likely expected to receive that same pleasurable effect every time. Now, the effects likely include nausea, vomiting, insomnia, severe itching, cold sweats, and confusion.
The Crestview Recovery staff understands people with heroin addiction entering their facility possibly experience long-term effects. These can include insomnia, muscle or bone pain, cravings, co-occurring health issues, and several other potential effects. The professional staff welcomes you to the Pacific Northwest. Once you have your heroin treatment plan, you will receive individualized care and treatment, which potentially includes:
- 12-step recovery
- Medication assisted treatment
- Experiential therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Additional therapies based on your treatment needs
Start the healing process and regain control over your life without using heroin. Contact Crestview Recovery at 866.262.0531 to get started on your path to recovery from heroin abuse and addiction today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
