Here are the statistics: the State of Florida reported heroin killed more people in 2014 than any year on record. For a more local statistic the number of heroin related overdoses increased in almost every Central Florida county during 2013 and 2014. Orange and Osceola counties (which are very close to Brevard county) were hit the hardest with an 84 percent increase.
A reason for heroin’s popularity is cost. Due to Florida’s recent crackdown on pill mills and prescribing Doctors, pain pills are harder to come by therefore raising the street cost as high as $80.00 a pill so heroin has become a cheaper alternative. An addict could spend $150.00 on oxycodone / hydrocodone pain pills but spend $20.00 on heroin and get the same effect.
Now what can be done if you are addicted. As a health practitioner and due to the severity of opiate withdrawal I highly recommend a medically supervised detox for at least 5 days. Withdrawal will include symptoms, such as: muscle aches, restlessness, anxiety, excessive sweating, sleeplessness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and may exasperate any current medical condition.
It is after detox is when the recovery work starts. Here are a number of options. You may wish to go a 30-90 day inpatient program. Due to extensive time required for inpatient treatment you may want outpatient treatment in order to meet your work, family or school obligations.
After working in a Faith Based drug recovery program for over 10 years (with an 80% success rate) I have a problem with popular secular 12 step meeting programs. Their statistics show a less than 10% success rate.
At Holistic Health Center I recommend the outpatient Holistic (mind-body-spirit) approach to recovery. In short: specific supplements and diet for the individual, mild exercise, individual mental and/or spiritual counseling and group meetings. Call 321-549-0711 for more information.