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Lakewood is the fourth largest city in the state of Colorado with a total population of 142,980. Lakewood is also the 172nd most populated city in the United States. Lakewood is a suburb of Denver, located in Jefferson County. The government is a major employer to the city, helping to fuel the cities economy along side the cities school district and health care.
Heroin Threatens the way of life for Lakewood residents
This beautiful city is threatened by the distribution and abuse of heroin. Heroin is claiming more and more young users lives each year. Most of the drugs young abusers smoke or snort the drug rather than inject it, mistakenly believing this form of use is safer and less likely to lead to addiction. As well as avoid the possibility of contracting any blood born diseases with its most common way of use, injection. Although most who become addicted to the drug wind up injecting it for fast effects. A tolerance to heroin develops rather quickly, requiring more of the drug to reach the same effects. Many accidentally overdose on the drug trying to get the same high as they had their first use. According to DAWN mortality data there was 160 heroin related deaths in 2001 for the state of Colorado. Some realize there is a problem before getting to this point, or maybe they have already gotten to this point and realized it is time for change. According to ADAD, in 2001 there were 1,810 treatment admissions for heroin addiction.
Heroin
Heroin is a highly addictive drug derived from morphine, which is obtained from the opium poppy. It is a depressant that affects the brain’s pleasure systems and interferes with the brain’s ability to perceive pain. Many users become addicted to Heroin trying to find a way to escape from both physical and emotional pain. Most commonly heroin is injected into a vein, this is called “mainlining”, it can also be injected into a muscle, smoked in a water pipe or standard pipe, mixed in a marijuana joint or regular cigarette, inhaled as smoke through a straw which is known as “chasing the dragon,” or snorted as powder into the nose. The effects of heroin are immediate and last a few hours. Injecting heroin produces an intense feeling of euphoria known as a “rush”, this is followed by a warm flushing of the skin, a dry mouth, and heavy extremities. Immediately after the rush the users goes into an wakeful and drowsy state.
The effects of Heroin abuse
The depression of the central nervous system cause delayed and clouded mental function, slowed and slurred speech, slow gait, constricted pupils, droopy eyelids, impaired night vision, vomiting, constipation.With regular use of heroin a tolerance is commonly developed, this causes the user to need more of the drug to reach the same effects. The more of the drug used the higher of a risk of developing a dependence and addiction.
When the users attempts to stop withdrawal symptoms kick in. Heroin can have serious effects on the user’s health. Those who inject the drug can develop collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, cellulites, and liver disease. As the health of the user begins to deteriorate they may experiance pulmonary complications such as various types of pneumonia.
Heroin Addiction Treatment
It can feel impossible to quit using heroin, many have to hit rock bottom before seeking help or friends and family managed to pressure them into seeking help. Either way, Rehab Programs in Lakewood, Colorado are here to help aid you in recovering from this highly addictive drug. There are numerous non-addictive prescription medications that can be given to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal as well as help control drug cravings, the most commonly used in Methadone. With the assistance of this medication you will go through a detoxification process, cleansing your body of any toxins and chemicals. You will receive medical attention for any physical and psychological conditions you may have as a result of chronic heroin abuse. Behavioral modification therapy will help you get to the cause of your addiction while teaching you the key tools you need to remain sober and prevent relapse when leaving the program. Contact an Rehab Program in Lakewood, Colorado today and start on the road to recovery.