Full Notification

The Northfield Township Police support the FTC & SAMHSA in offering help for those facing substance use disorders

Opiates and Heroin use is trending up & SAMHSA offers a helpline

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2002–2013, past month heroin use, past year heroin use, and heroin addiction have all increased among 18-25 year olds. The number of people who started to use heroin in the past year is also trending up. Among new heroin users, approximately three out of four report abusing prescription opioids prior to using heroin. The increased availability, lower price, and increased purity of heroin in the U.S. have been identified as possible contributors to rising rates of heroin use.

A new study reveals that the rate of heroin overdose emergency visits increased across all demographic groups and regions. In 2014, there was an estimated 81,631 emergency doctor visits for non-heroin opioid overdoses and 66,023 visits for heroin overdoses.

Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. The majority of drug overdose deaths (66%) involve an opioid. In 2016, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids (including prescription opioids and heroin) was 5 times higher than in 1999. From 2000 to 2016, more than 600,000 people died from drug overdoses. On average, 115 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose.

Should you, your family or friends be facing substance abuse or mental health concerns SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline offers resources for treatment. The helpline is a free, confidential 24/7, 365 day a year treatment referral. CALL 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or for a confidential treatment locator go to: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov to find a reputable treatment facility near you.