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St. Louis: Ground Zero For The Heroin Epidemic
St, Louis—perched on the banks of both the Mississippi and the Missouri rivers,
is well-known for its iconic arch, its absolute love of baseball, and the incredible stubbornness of its residents. In fact, Missouri as a whole is known as "The Show-Me State," which refers to the stalwart nature of its people, who firmly believe in seeing things for themselves, before they believe them. But despite this well-known characterization, in recent years, the great city of St. Louis has become known as something far more sinister- ground zero for the opioid epidemic.
In St. Louis, drug overdose deaths involving heroin are now happening at a rate of about 88 per 100,000 residents, which exceeds the national average of the country at large by more than 3.7 times over! In 2019, St. Louis lost roughly three people per day due to opioid overdoses, (according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse) and, that marked the 12th consecutive year of drug fatalities rising in the region. Heroin is often the second stop after a person becomes addicted to prescription opioids—which for years have been over-prescribed by medical providers. Just a few of these highly addictive pills can get even the most careful person hooked and send them on the long spiral down into heroin use (as heroin is cheaper and often easier to obtain.)
One additional reason for the staggering rise in fatalities may be the introduction of fentanyl—a powerful synthetic opioid that is actually fifty times more powerful than heroin—which drug dealers often add to the heroin they sell to increase their profits. Drug addicts often have no idea what they are ingesting, and thus it's easy to see how an overdose could happen.
So, what's the solution for St. Louis? Federal grants for opioid treatment have increased access in Missouri to the drug Narcan (also called Naloxone) which--when administered correctly and in a timely fashion--can reverse the effects of an overdose. Additionally, the grants fund counseling and residential services to thousands of people. We can only hope that the effort will be successful.
Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Facility Settings and Methods
Many addictive substances are easily attainable within the St. Louis region, such as: meth, heroin, marijuana, and alcohol.
The motives that people begin abusing addictive drugs differs. Often, what those who become addicted to drugs and alcohol have in common is an inability to overcome their dependence upon these addictive substances by themselves.
For these individuals, St. Louis provides a number of various treatment programs so individuals can find one in a convenient environment such as: short term treatment programs, long term drug and alcohol rehab programs, detoxification programs, inpatient rehab facilities, outpatient individual counseling.
These rehabilitation programs utilize a range of approaches, ranging from traditional approaches to newer techniques, to offer individuals with a successful evidence-based path to lasting recovery. These methods can include: dual diagnosis drug rehab, relapse prevention, contingency management/motivational incentive, group therapy, group therapy, activity therapy.
Special Programs for Addiction Recovery
Since addiction impacts each individual differently, nearby rehabs provide special services including domestic violence, treatment for spanish-speaking clients, self-help groups, housing services, substance abuse education, aftercare/continuing care to help match a client's recovery to their individual needs.
Those facing alcohol and drug use can receive guidance in picking the right treatment for their needs by reaching out to any of the area's rehab programs.
Drug Rehab Center Payment Alternatives
Payment should not be a hurdle to recovery for individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. That is why nearby rehabs offer several payment choices, including cash or self-payment, private health insurance, sliding fee scale, payment assistance, access to recovery (atr) voucher, state welfare or child and family services funds, to assist patients' particular financial circumstances.
People who are looking for alcohol and drug rehab can find a center, program, resource, and payment option within the St. Louis region that will help them to overcome their substance abuse problem and get back to the life they want to lead.
Commonly Asked Questions about Addiction and Treatment
What is a medical detox?
Medical detox, also known as medically supervised detoxification, is the process of safely managing the physical symptoms of withdrawal from substances like alcohol, opioids, or other drugs under the supervision of healthcare professionals. This process is typically the first step in a comprehensive treatment plan for substance use disorders.
The goal of medical detox is to minimize the physical harm caused by withdrawal and to alleviate discomfort. Here's what it typically involves:
Evaluation: This first step includes a thorough assessment of the individual's physical and mental health, as well as the extent and nature of their substance use. This information is used to design an appropriate and personalized detox and treatment plan.
Stabilization: During this phase, medical professionals administer treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure the patient's safety. This may involve the use of medications to ease symptoms and prevent complications. Medical staff monitor the patient's vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, and may provide nutritional support and hydration as needed.
Preparation for Further Treatment: Once the acute phase of detox is complete, the focus shifts to preparing the individual for further treatment, such as inpatient or outpatient rehab. This may involve counseling or therapy to help the individual understand the importance of continuing treatment to maintain long-term recovery.
How can I tell if my loved one is using fentanyl?
Physical symptoms: Some common physical symptoms of fentanyl use include drowsiness, constricted pupils, slurred speech, shallow or slow breathing, and decreased coordination. You may also notice itching, flushed skin, or sweating.
Behavioral changes: Fentanyl use can result in changes in behavior, such as increased secrecy, social withdrawal, or unexplained absences. You may notice a shift in mood or energy levels, as well as a decline in personal hygiene or appearance.
Sleep patterns: Fentanyl can cause sedation and changes in sleep patterns. If your loved one is sleeping more than usual, experiencing difficulty waking up, or nodding off at inappropriate times, it may be a sign of fentanyl use.
Gastrointestinal issues: Fentanyl, like other opioids, can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, nausea, and vomiting. If your loved one is experiencing these issues without an apparent cause, it may be a sign of fentanyl use.
Paraphernalia: Finding drug paraphernalia, such as syringes, small plastic bags, or spoons with burn marks, may indicate fentanyl use. Fentanyl is often sold as a powder or in counterfeit pills, so be alert for unfamiliar pills or powders in your loved one's possession.
Unexplained financial problems: Fentanyl use can result in financial difficulties due to the cost of obtaining the drug. If your loved one is experiencing unexplained financial issues or frequently requesting money, it could be a sign of fentanyl use.
Changes in social circles: A shift in your loved one's social circle or a sudden disinterest in activities they once enjoyed may indicate fentanyl use, as they may be prioritizing drug use over other aspects of their life.
How do I repair relationships damaged by my drug and alcohol abuse?
"Repairing relationships damaged by substance abuse is a process that takes time, effort, and a sincere commitment to change. Here are some steps to consider:
Achieve Sobriety: The first step in repairing relationships is to focus on your recovery. Demonstrating commitment to sobriety shows your loved ones that you are serious about making a change.
Acknowledge the Damage: Be open and honest about the harm your substance abuse has caused to your relationships. Acknowledging the problem is the first step towards making amends.
Apologize Sincerely: Offer a sincere and heartfelt apology. It's essential to take responsibility for your actions and the pain they've caused, without making excuses.
Make Amends: Making amends goes beyond apologizing. It involves taking action to correct past wrongs where possible, whether that means repaying debts, resolving past disputes, or simply making a commitment to behave differently in the future.
Open Communication: Maintain open, honest, and regular communication with your loved ones. Be open to their feelings and feedback, even if it's tough to hear.
Be Patient: Healing takes time. Your loved ones may not be ready to immediately forgive or trust you again. Respect their feelings and give them the time they need to heal.
Seek Professional Help: Family or relationship therapy can provide a safe and structured environment to address issues, improve communication, and begin the process of rebuilding trust.
Maintain Consistency: One of the most crucial steps in repairing relationships is consistently demonstrating your commitment to your recovery and to positive change. This consistency helps to rebuild trust over time.
Support Their Healing: Understand that your addiction may have caused significant pain and trauma to your loved ones. Support them in their own process of healing, which may include their own therapy or participation in support groups.
Rebuild Trust: Broken trust is often the most challenging aspect of a relationship to mend. Proving through actions over time that you're committed to your sobriety and to being reliable and truthful can gradually rebuild trust.
