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Manchester, NH: Ground Zero For Opioid Addiction
Located along the picturesque Merrimack river, Manchester, New Hampshire--birthplace of several famous Americans including Adam Sandler and Seth Meyers—is the largest city in the state. It's also sometimes called "The Queen City" because even though it has the biggest population, it isn't the official capital, though some argue that it should have been. But when it comes to Manchester, one thing is for sure: unfortunately, it sits at the heart of New Hampshire's staggering opioid epidemic.
New Hampshire ranks second in the United States (coming in just behind West Virginia) for the number of opioid-related deaths relative to population size. And even more shocking perhaps is that fact that it ranks No. 1, for fentanyl-related deaths per person. But, with an average household income of $71,381, New Hampshire (known as "The Granite State") is one of the wealthiest states in the union, and it boasts one of the lowest overall poverty rates, with less that 8% of its residents falling below the federal poverty line. So how is it then that a state so well off could be struggling with such a staggering drug problem? It turns out that the opioid epidemic does not discriminate between white collar and blue collar, rich and poor; it permeates all walks of life.
Fentanyl--a synthetic opioid between 50 and 100 times stronger than heroin--is a major reason that New Hampshire's overdose numbers are so high. And although many overdose deaths in Manchester are officially attributed to heroin, many officials say that Manchester does not have a heroin problem, but rather it has a fentanyl problem. The fentanyl coming into New Hampshire usually comes from either China or Mexico, via routes through Massachusetts. Drug dealers add this incredibly deadly drug to their heroin to make supplies last longer, thereby making a greater profit. Addicts needing a fix don't always know or question what they're ingesting, so it's easy to see how overdoses can happen.
And, as if the fentanyl situation wasn't bad enough, an even stronger, deadlier opioid called Carfentanil has recently made its way into Manchester. At least 100 times stronger than fentanyl, Carfentanyl is actually an elephant tranquilizer, and a dose only as big as two grains of sand is enough to kill a human being. It's so dangerous that first responders have to now wear protective masks and gloves, as it can be absorbed through the skin. Gnarly stuff indeed. We can only hope that authorities can gain a hold over the situation.
Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service Settings and Methods
A number of addictive drugs are easily attainable within the Manchester region, such as: heroin, cocaine, alcohol, and meth.
The motives that people start using addictive drugs varies. Often, what those who become dependent on drugs and alcohol have in common is an inability to overcome their dependence upon these addictive substances without the help of a professional.
For these individuals, Manchester offers a number of various rehabilitation programs so clients can search out one in a convenient environment such as: inpatient addiction treatment programs, outpatient detox facilities, short term drug treatment, outpatient substance abuse counseling, long term addiction treatment centers.
These programs use a variety of methods, ranging from long-established methods to recently developed techniques, to provide clients with a successful evidence-based path to sustained sobriety. These approaches may include: motivational interviewing, group therapy, behavior modification, group therapy, cognitive/behavior therapy, matrix model.
Special Programs for Addiction Treatment
Because alcohol and drug addiction has an effect on each person in a different way, nearby rehabilitation centers provide unique resources such as legal advocacy, clients referred from the court/judicial system, social skills development, residential beds for client's children, persons with serious mental illness, transgender or (LGBT) clients to help match a client's recovery to their specific needs.
Those dealing with alcohol and drug addiction can get instruction in picking the right program for their needs by getting in touch with any of the area's rehab centers.
Addiction Treatment Program Payment Alternatives
Funding should not be an obstacle to rehab for people struggling with drug and alcohol use. That is the reason local treatment centers provide several payment options, including private insurance, cash or self-payment, military insurance, sliding fee scale, other state funds, state education funds, to accommodate patients' personal financial circumstances.
Those who are seeking drug and alcohol treatment can find a facility, rehab, approach, and payment option within the Manchester region that will help them to recover from their drug and alcohol addiction and begin the life they want to live.
Commonly Asked Questions about Addiction and Treatment
What are relationship risk factors for drug and alcohol abuse?
Several relationship factors can increase the risk of developing a drug or alcohol abuse problem. These include:
- Peer Pressure: One of the most significant relationship risk factors, particularly among young people, is pressure from friends or peers to use substances. This can lead to experimental use, which can progress to misuse or addiction.
- Family History of Substance Abuse: Growing up in a family where substance misuse or addiction is present can increase the risk of developing similar problems. This can be due to both genetic factors and the modeling of substance use behaviors.
- Abusive or Dysfunctional Relationships: People who are in abusive or highly stressful relationships may turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication or escape.
- Enabling Behaviors: If a person's substance use is consistently enabled or excused by their partner, family, or friends, it can perpetuate a pattern of misuse and make it harder for them to recognize or address their problem.
- Isolation or Lack of Social Support: People who feel socially isolated or lack supportive relationships may be more prone to substance abuse. Drugs or alcohol can sometimes be used as a way to cope with feelings of loneliness or disconnection.
- Normalization of Substance Use: In some social or cultural contexts, frequent or heavy substance use may be considered normal or acceptable, which can increase the risk of abuse and addiction.
- Co-dependency: In co-dependent relationships, one person may depend on the other's drug or alcohol problem just as the substance user depends on the substance, creating a cycle that can exacerbate the problem.
What happens when a person overdosed on fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is used medically to treat severe pain, but its potent nature also makes it dangerous when misused or taken in excessive amounts. When a person overdoses on fentanyl, several life-threatening symptoms and complications can occur:
- Respiratory depression: One of the most critical effects of a fentanyl overdose is severe respiratory depression, which occurs when the drug suppresses the brain's ability to control breathing. This can lead to slow, shallow, or irregular breathing, or even cause the person to stop breathing altogether, which can be fatal.
- Unconsciousness: A fentanyl overdose can cause the person to lose consciousness or become unresponsive. In this state, the individual is at a higher risk of choking or suffering from positional asphyxia if they are in an awkward position that restricts their breathing.
- Constricted pupils: An overdose may result in pinpoint pupils, also known as miosis, which is a common sign of opioid intoxication.
- Cyanosis: Due to the lack of oxygen resulting from respiratory depression, the person's skin, lips, and nails may develop a bluish tint, which is called cyanosis.
- Low blood pressure: A fentanyl overdose can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure (hypotension), which may result in dizziness, fainting, or shock.
- Slow or weak pulse: The person's heart rate may become slow or weak, further contributing to the risk of life-threatening complications.
- Muscle rigidity: In some cases, a fentanyl overdose can cause muscle stiffness or rigidity, particularly in the chest and abdominal muscles, which can make it even more difficult to breathe.
- Seizures: Although less common, a fentanyl overdose may also cause seizures in some individuals.
- Coma or death: In severe cases, a fentanyl overdose can lead to coma or death due to respiratory failure, lack of oxygen, or other complications.
If you suspect someone is experiencing a fentanyl overdose, it is crucial to call emergency medical services immediately. Administering naloxone, an opioid antagonist, can temporarily reverse the effects of the overdose, but multiple doses may be needed due to fentanyl's potency. It is essential to note that naloxone is not a substitute for professional medical care, and the person must still receive prompt medical attention to address any underlying complications and ensure proper treatment.
Can a drug addict change?
Yes, a person struggling with drug addiction can certainly change. It's important to understand that addiction is a chronic, but treatable, disease. Like other chronic diseases, it's not about a "cure" but about managing the condition effectively.
Overcoming addiction typically involves a combination of self-awareness, willingness to change, support, and professional treatment. A key part of the process is the individual's motivation to improve their life and overcome their dependency on substances.
However, recovery from addiction often involves setbacks and challenges. The process can be difficult and time-consuming, requiring substantial personal commitment and support from others. Professional treatment can take several forms, including detoxification, medication-assisted therapy, counseling, and support groups.
Many people who were once addicted to drugs have gone on to live productive, healthy, and fulfilling lives. The journey to recovery is often a lifelong process of maintaining sobriety and managing triggers and cravings.
While change is indeed possible for someone struggling with addiction, it is typically a complex process requiring substantial effort, support, and treatment.
