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GENERAL INTEREST
OF
interest
HEROIN:
THE NEW
SUBURBIA DRUG
OVERDOSE DEATHS
ON THE RISE IN
ARAPAHOE COUNTY
There is a growing epidemic of heroin
use and it’s spreading to the suburbs.
No community or its citizens are
immune from this highly addictive
drug that has become a serious
problem in the United States. From
what was a drug where its use was
achieved through needles, has now
evolved to a drug that is smoked or
snorted leading to increased addiction
by people of all ages and lifestyles.
“The south Denver suburbs are seeing
an increase in heroin possession and
use,” said Greenwood Village Chief of
Police John Jackson. “To date, in
Arapahoe County, there has been a
significant increase in overdose deaths
as a result of heroin use. A large
contributing, but yet to be proven,
factor to this increase is an overt abuse
of “opiate type” prescription
medicines. The Greenwood Village
Police Department has joined other
police agencies to work on addressing
what is perceived to be a serious public
health and safety issue which is
directly affecting our communities.”
Heroin is a highly addictive drug that
is processed from morphine and is a
depressant that inhibits the central
nervous system. Heroin in its purest
form is usually a white powder, but
has varied colors ranging from white
to brown. “Black tar” heroin is a dark
brown or black and has a tar-like,
sticky feel to it.
There are many hazards associated
with the use of heroin including high
risk infections such as HIV/AIDS,
collapsed veins, infection of the heart
lining and valves, abscesses, cellulitis,
liver disease, and pulmonary
complications including various types
of pneumonia. Other effects that
heroin may have on users include
respiratory depression, constricted
(“pinpoint”) pupils and nausea. Effects
of heroin overdose may also include
slow and shallow breathing,
hypotension, muscle spasms,
convulsions, coma, and possible death.
When the drug is discontinued, the
user will experience physical
withdrawal. Symptoms include
restlessness, insomnia, diarrhea,
vomiting, cold flashes with goose
bumps, kicking movements, and
muscle and bone pain. Withdrawal by
active users in poor health can be fatal.
Heroin addiction is a treatable
condition, but its use is increasing in
recent years. According to the 2011
Survey on Drug Use and Health by
the US Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Administration, it is estimated
that 607,000 persons per year used
heroin in the years 2009-2011,
compared to 374,000 during 20022005. Similarly, the estimated number
of new heroin users increased from
109,000 per year during 2002-2005 to
169,000 per year during 2009-2011.
The increase in initiation is evident
among young adults aged 18 to 25
and adults aged 26 and older. There
were 28,000 youth initiates per year in
2002-2005 and 27,000 in 2009-2011.
Young adult initiates increased from
53,000 per year to 89,000 per year,
and in older adults, initiates increased
from 28,000 to 54,000 for these
combined time periods.
Patients with heroin addiction should
seek advice from health care providers
who can guide them with the most
appropriate and safe treatment.
Combined behavioral and medical
therapies may allow the patient to
integrate back into mainstream society
and lead a positive and productive life.
KNOW THE WARNING
SIGNS OF HEROIN USE
What are some signs your child or
someone you know is using heroin?
• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Constricted pupils
• Nausea
• Euphoria
• Impaired mental functioning
• Slowed breathing
• Signs of injection, such as track
marks, bumps and infected sores
• Poor hygiene
• Drug paraphernalia
• Runny nose
• Change in friends
• Withdrawal from or lack of interest
in old friends, usual activities and
family
• Hostility
For more information or assistance,
please call the Greenwood Village
Police Department at
303-773-2525. GV
AUGUST 2014 |
GV
N E W S L E T T E R PG. 21