Some Good and Bad News on the Heroin Front

Prior to the heroin epidemic, only paramedic level professionals were allowed to administer a powerful drug with the brand name Narcan.  Narcan reverses the effects of heroin in overdose situations.  When a person overdoses, their breathing slows and decreases steadily until it stops.  Eventually the heart stops beating.  Narcan reverses this and quickly brings a person back to normal breathing.

This year in the state of New Hampshire 870 patients received Narcan.  That is a large number of lives saved.  With the epidemic, the drug was allowed to be administered by EMT basic level professionals making the drug available to an additional 1400 responders state wide.

The bad news is that in the United States and New Hampshire, drug overdoses have surpassed deaths caused by car crashes in the 20 year old to 64 year old age ranges.  Last year our state lost 78 people to heroin.  The year before we lost 38.  This year those numbers have climbed to 148 confirmed over-dose deaths.  104 of those overdose deaths were from heroin.  58 additional deaths are suspected to be drug related but have not been confirmed through blood testing yet.

So the good news is Public Safety Responders appear to be saving more folks however we are losing to many lives to this deadly drug.

Heroin addiction is a medical problem.  It is a tough habit to kick.  Over my years in law enforcement, I have met many addicts.  They are normal people who come from normal families.  Addicts can be found in every occupation.  The only one who can help an addict is the addict himself or herself.  Treatment will only work when they want it to work.  It is a fight and battle that they have to fight themselves.

Heroin is present in our community as well as every other community.  Turning a blind eye and living in a glass bubble won't make it go away.  The good news here is you are not alone and there is help out there.

Here is a comprehensive guide of where you or a loved one can go for help.  It is provided by the folks at OneVoice.  http://onevoicenh.org/assets/referral%20guide%20booklet%20final.pdf

Sometimes an addict has to reach a low to get help.  Our courts are designed to help those who have addiction.  If your loved one won't seek help on their own, law enforcement may also offer you some resources by getting your loved one into the system.  Most times, folks are offered treatment and if they complete the program, they leave the system with no record.

You can call and speak to us about your problem.  We will do the best we can to help you.  You can also leave anonymous tips using our mobile app.  The life you save may be your loved one.

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