Heroin Rescue Efforts and Kentucky Rehab Centers Face Public Backlash
People across Kentucky and the U.S. have become frustrated with the way resources are being used on individuals who struggle with addiction. Local authorities say citizens believe that rehab treatments are mostly ineffective, and a waste of state and federal resources. As heroin rescue efforts and Kentucky rehab centers continue to face public backlash, the nation’s heroin epidemic continues to worsen.
If you are addicted to heroin or another opioid, understand that you can overcome addiction with help from a drug rehab center. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to locate Kentucky rehab centers in your area that can successfully help you achieve lasting sobriety.
Recent Signs of Heroin Overdose Backlash
First responders administer naloxone in order to prevent overdose fatalities.
Authorities in Ohio’s Hamilton County had plans to offer immunity to people who turned in batches of dangerous heroin that were circulating the streets. However, this effort was thwarted by a sheriff in a neighboring county, who argued that dealers and users would take advantage of immunity only if caught.
Earlier this fall, the East Liverpool police in Ohio shared a photo that went viral on Facebook, and reignited the debate that drug abusers shouldn’t be awarded free addiction treatment. The photo featured a man and woman lying unconscious in their vehicle after a heroin overdose, while a 4-year-old boy sat in the backseat. The post generated thousands of comments from people angry about how addicts endanger children and public safety.
Lastly, a retired attorney wrote an editorial piece in The Cincinnati Enquirer that examined the costs of heroin addiction treatment, and how the country is exhausting public resources on its current drug epidemic. The column questioned why addiction should continue to be widely excused and enabled throughout the U.S.
How Local Kentucky Communities Are Coping With Addiction
An anti-drug activist in northern Kentucky named Ron Calhoun says he frequently hears people say that reviving addicts with naloxone is enabling heroin use. However, Calhoun doesn’t hesitate to correct people and educate that naloxone revives breathing, and helps prevent heroin addicts from dying. Calhoun says the goal of having first responders administer naloxone is to keep addicts alive so they can receive addiction treatment.
Local fire departments are also seeking donations from health organizations for naloxone, which has saved the lives of many heroin addicts who overdose. Rescue efforts say that when addicts use heroin mixed with more powerful opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil, multiple doses of naloxone are required for revival.
Despite local and national backlash on heroin addiction, rehab centers throughout Kentucky still have resources that can help addicts overcome addiction. Some rehab centers are privately funded, while others are state-funded, and may offer more affordable treatment options to qualifying individuals. Struggling addicts who seek rehab treatment are more likely to achieve lasting sobriety than those who try quitting on their own, and benefit from an improved quality of life following treatment.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction to heroin, call our helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about local rehab centers and treatment options. Our treatment specialists are available 24/7 to help you find Kentucky rehab centers that will help you achieve improved health and sobriety for years to come.
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