Heroin is a dangerous and addictive opioid that many of us have at least heard of, but did you know that heroin addiction is on the rise according to recent opioid statistics? This is especially scary considering the trend is affecting young people. Heroin can have some severe side effects, after all. If you or someone you know is suffering from heroin addiction, looking for drug treatment centers is an extremely important step toward recovery. The Hope Centers of Central Florida is located in Orlando and has experience helping and treating victims of heroin addiction. Remember that you are not alone.

The Effects of Heroin

Like other opioids, heroin binds to the opioid receptors in our brains. This can cause sudden sensations of pleasure–often referred to as a “rush.” The effects magnify based on the dosage, and side effects may occur very quickly. Immediate side effects of taking heroin can include minor conditions such as dry mouth, the flushing of the skin, and a heavy feeling in the extremities. Sometimes, symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and itching can also occur early on in the experience. The most dangerous aspect to heroin happens after the rush ends. Users will begin to feel drowsy as their mental functions become clouded and their body slows down. It’s particularly the slowing of the heart and breathing that can lead to comas, brain damage, and possibly death.

Recent Opioid Statistics

In 2016, almost a million Americans reported having used heroin, and it seems that number is increasing. This trend in growing heroin usage is led primarily by young adults between 18 and 25–a truly heart-breaking reality. For many years, heroin was predominantly seen in urban areas; however, suburban and rural areas around both Chicago and St. Louis have seen noticeable increases in abuse of the substance. Naturally, as the rate of usage increases, so does the death count. If there’s any silver lining to be found, it’s that heroin usage in children ages 12 to 17 is at an all-time low. Additionally, while usage in young adults is growing, so is the percentage of young adults seeking treatment.

About Us

We at the Hope Centers of Central Florida are dedicated to helping victims of opioid addiction recover. We tailor our programs to each individual patient to ensure their needs are met and that they can recover as easily and safely as they possibly can. This includes one-on-one counseling as well as medically-assisted treatment for withdrawals and cravings. We strive for a future where no one needs to suffer from opioid addiction.

Contact Our Drug Treatment Centers

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, know that you are not alone. Seeking the help of drug treatment centers is the best thing you can do to help get back on track to living a happy and healthy life. For Orlando citizens, our doors are open for you to recover. Contact us today for immediate care, or to learn more about opioid statistics and what you can do to help.