Long Island officials are projecting a record number of opioid overdose deaths that could topple 600 individuals taken by drug addiction. Broken down by county, the total number of deaths in 2017 is expected to be over 400 in Suffolk County and almost 200 in Nassau County.
This is in stark contrast to 2016 when Long Island experienced 421 overdose deaths in total. As the numbers continue to rise, more people are searching for reputable treatment programs that address the root causes of their substance abuse.
We often hear horror stories of how people overdose after trying to detox cold turkey (on their own) without any medical assistance. This is very dangerous because getting off the drugs without help is like playing Russian roulette. Most individuals can’t handle the pain alone and will relapse, often taking too much of their drug of choice. The results could be fatal and contribute to the surge of opioid overdose deaths in Long Island.
Authorities across Long Island are touting measures rolled out in recent years that were created to slow down the opioid addiction epidemic. These measures include better coordination between police departments and drug counselors, along with easier access to Naloxone (an opioid overdose antidote). While we are moving in the right direction, more must be done to save our communities from the influx of drug addiction and overdose. Real solutions include long-term treatment programs that offer an evidence-based approach consisting of behavioral modification through group and individual counseling.
Fentanyl is making it more difficult for officials to effectively address opioid overdose deaths in Long Island. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than regular heroin, which means that more people are at risk of dying from taking the drug. Fentanyl-related overdose deaths have most likely surpassed those in previous years, with health officials saying the number is expected to climb.
We’ve helped countless individuals and families that are affected by drug addiction and alcoholism across the New York area. Many people who develop a substance use disorder find it very difficult to stop using without professional help. If you or someone you know is looking for a detox, drug rehab, intervention, or outpatient drug rehab, give our interventionists a call today to learn more about how these programs work.