From Pills to Heroin: Rates of Opioid Abuse High in New Hampshire

From Pills to Heroin: Rates of Opioid Abuse High in New Hampshire

No one likes to be in pain. Thus, it makes perfect sense for medical professionals to prescribe Opioid pain-killers as a method of pain management for clients whom require such. When Opioids are used as directed under medical supervision, such medications can be both effective and non-addictive. Unfortunately, this is not often the case and Opioid abuse has become a large problem within the state of New Hampshire.

The use of prescription Opioids for other than their medical purpose is considered abuse. Opioid abuse is alarming for several reasons. Since Opioids are depressant drugs, they slow down the part of the brain that controls breathing. They are also highly addictive and are associated with detrimental long term social, financial and emotional effects. Opioid abuse may also cause menstrual irregularities, mood swings, constipation and a decreased interest in sex. Opioid overdose can be fatal.

Prescription Opioids are very expensive and can be difficult to obtain. As a result, addicted parties often turn to Heroin, (a cheaper and more easily obtainable drug with similar effects). In New Hampshire, authorities have seen a dramatic increase in Heroin use, even suggesting an ultimate high rate of Opioid abuse within the state.

The possession and distribution of Opioids is regulated by federal law. Use of such drugs is only legal when prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner. However, based on the high demand for Opioids, pills are often stolen from health facilities or sold to addicted parties by individuals with prescriptions.

Most Opioid addictions begin with a legal prescription. An individual may be prescribed Opioid pain-killers for pain-management and find that when their pain is gone and the prescription runs out, they are unable to stop using the medication. Soon, they are not thinking clearly and taking illegal measures to obtain pills. They may even resort to using Heroin when they can no longer afford the high price of illegal Opioid pain-killers.

How do You Know that You are Addicted to Opioids?

If you were prescribed Opioid pain-killers and are concerned that addiction has already manifested or may manifest in the future, there are several questions that you might ask yourself:

• Do you find yourself taking larger amounts of Opioids or taking Opioids over a longer period than was intended?
• Do you experience urges, cravings or strong desires to use Opioids?
• Do you experience a persistent desire for Opioids?
• Have you engaged in unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control Opioid use?
• Have you spent a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of the Opioid?
• Have you continued to use Opioids despite experiencing persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of Opioids?
• Do you use Opioids in a fashion that results in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home?
• Have you given up or reduced important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of Opioid use?
• Have you continued to use Opioids in physically hazardous situations?
• Do you feel that you have developed a tolerance to Opioids, (either a need for increased amounts of Opioids to achieve intoxications or desired effect, or a diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of an Opioid)?
• Have you continued to use Opioids despite knowledge of having persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems that are likely to have been caused or worsened by the substance?
• Have you experienced withdrawal from Opioids?

Opioid abuse is not a problem which is diminishing, but is instead becoming more prevalent. Self-Empowerment NH, LLC, located in Concord, New Hampshire, has a background in supporting individuals suffering from the toughest of addictions, including addictions to Opioids. If you or someone you know is struggling with an Opioid addiction, or any other addiction, Selfempnh can help; as we are here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system. For more information, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.