While some are concerned about immigrants crossing the Mexico-United States border and depleting our economic resources, it has been suggested that the true border threat is being overlooked: the huge rush of black tar heroin that is crossing the border into the US from South America every day.
According to the Christian Science Monitor, the amount of heroin seized by law enforcement has quadrupled since 2008. They also report that most of that heroin comes from Mexico, which produces an estimated 26 metric tons for the American market.
The Demand for Heroin
Dependence on heroin is quickly reaching epidemic proportions across the country, with heroin replacing opiate painkillers as the drug of choice for many who developed an opiate addiction through a prescription in the past decade. With increased awareness of the problem, increased regulations were put into place, limiting the availability of pills on the black market. Opiate addicts in need of a fix turned to a more easily accessible and cheaper solution: black market heroin.
As a result, since 2008, the number of heroin users has doubled in the US. This, in turn, has driven up the demand for heroin, and drug cartels south of the border have been more than happy to fill the void – to the detriment of the American people and the American economy.
How many billions of dollars are lost due to health care costs, property damage, law enforcement time and resources due to increased crime, incarceration of individuals, and lost productivity as a result of increasing rates of heroin abuse and addiction?
Increased Need for Heroin Addiction Treatment
The increased rate of heroin abuse means that the number of people in need of effective heroin rehab has increased as well. If your loved one is living with an active opiate dependence, you may be struggling with finding the best possible treatment program for his needs. To give him the best chance of success in recovery, you should look for a program that offers:
Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis to identify co-occurring disorders
Medical detox to effectively address withdrawal symptoms
A wide range of psychotherapeutic treatment options
Different holistic treatment options to enhance care and create a well-rounded experience
Aftercare support services to improve the ability to maintain sobriety once home
Everyone will have different needs in treatment. Contact us at Michael’s House today to discuss the options we can provide to your loved one in heroin rehab.
The post The Real Border Threat: Black Tar Heroin appeared first on Michael's House - Drug & Alcohol Treatment Centers.