What is driving the opioid addiction in Long Island? It’s a variety of factors that include socioeconomic hardship or just plain curiosity and boredom. Often underlying mental health conditions also play an important role in creating an atmosphere ripe for substance abuse. Opioid addiction is a rewarding experience in the beginning of an addiction because the user feels the euphoric high. However, shortly this turns into a dangerous and miserable life of chasing that high over and over again.
Opioid overdoses continue to climb across Long Island as heroin is often tainted with stronger substances such as fentanyl and carfentanil. Nassau and Suffolk counties have recently released chilling statistics that show a record of almost 500 deaths directly caused by the Long Island heroin epidemic.
The Medical Examiner’s office has reported close to 500 overdose deaths in 2016 caused by opiates. This breaks down into 303 overdose deaths in Suffolk County and 190 fatalities in Nassau County. These numbers are the highest on record for both Long Island counties and show a disturbing trend.
Many of the deaths are tied to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than traditional heroin making it a popular cutting agent in street heroin. The strength increase in the product sold to addicts comes with a rise in opioid overdose deaths across Long Island.
Opioid Overdose Deaths in Long Island
As a response to the opioid epidemic, more Long Island drug treatment centers are being opened. Awareness is being raised in response to the increase in opioid overdose deaths in Long Island. Law enforcement agencies in Suffolk and Nassau counties have taken a proactive approach to the Long Island heroin epidemic. Police departments are conducting large sweeps of drug-ridden areas and engaging in massive drug raids.
Touted as one of the largest drug busts in Long Island history, a heroin distribution ring was taken down in April by law enforcement agencies in Nassau County. This heroin ring was allegedly responsible for moving up to $50,000 worth of heroin every single week.
The Long Island heroin epidemic can most effectively be addressed with a four-point strategy:
• Enforcement
• Awareness
• Education
• Prevention
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recently declared a national opioid epidemic and the time is now to act and save the lives of addicts across Long Island. If you or a loved one are affected by opioid addiction, it’s crucial to reach out for help as soon as possible.
There are many resources available for those that are struggling with opioid addiction in Long Island. For people that have health insurance this makes it easier because most in-state and out-of-state treatment programs will accept you. If you’re uninsured, many state funded programs along with support groups could be the best option to get the help you need. It’s important not to give up even in the face of adversity. Recovery is a long-term process that won’t happen overnight, but rather requires patience and commitment. If you’re ready to begin your sobriety, Long Island Interventions can help you succeed.
Long Island Interventions provides addiction resources and drug rehab recommendations to residents in Long Island and out-of-state. Find the perfect drug rehab in Long Island for your situation and being the recovery process. We also operate a 24/7 crisis team and provide support/guidance along with setting up interventions.