Sheboygan County Service Providers

Heroin and Prescription Pill Abuse

A National Problem

The United States is the Number One consumer of illegal drugs and

prescription narcotics

Region, State and County Problem

• In 2011, SAMHSA reported a 8.3% increase of heroin substance dependence or abuse for persons aged 12 or older in the Midwest…..

• Wisconsin Teens (12-17) who have tried heroin up 300% since 1999

• City of Sheboygan has seen a 1500% increase in heroin arrests since 2009

Local Impact and Extent

• Sheboygan County survey conducted October 2013 of 1,354 county residents– 27% of respondents personally knew someone

who had been a victim of a heroin-related crime (i.e. theft, burglary)

– 27% knew someone who has sought treatment for heroin addiction

– Almost 9% knew someone who had used heroin in the past 30 days

How did this happen?

• Rx Drugs: opiates for treating chronic pain• Rx drugs and heroin are opiates that produce

similar effects• 2010 OxyContin Reformulation • Heroin as an affordable, accessible substitute• Almost all young heroin users abuse Rx

painkillers first

Heroin Does Not Discriminate

• Prescription Drug Abuse is Gateway to Heroin • Affects people of all ages, races and socio-

economic groups

Heroin use leads to death

• State of Wisconsin: 29 deaths (2000-2007) 199 deaths in 2012

• City of Sheboygan: 200% increase in heroin overdoses since 2009

What is Heroin?

Heroin

• Highly addictive drug that produces an intense, euphoric high

• More than 75% of those who try heroin once will use again!

• Sedative, like other opiates (oxycodone, morphine, etc.)

• Street names: boy, white, brown sugar, etc.• Locally, 15%-20% pure, mixed with Dormin,

caffeine, sugar and unknown deadly combinations

How do users obtain heroin

• Dealer moves to area and begins to sell to known users while looking for new clients

or• Users pool their money, travel to a source city,

purchase, use, return home and distribute to friends

Risks: Robbed, Killed, Arrested, Overdose

How is heroin used?

Heroin ingestion methods

• Smoking• Snorting – typically progresses to shooting

with heroin rig• Shooting – use of this method due to strong

addiction and avoiding “being sick”

What does heroin do to you?

• First Use: Intense, euphoric “rush”• Flushed skin, “heavy” arms and legs, dry

mouth, slowed/heart rate• Nod in and out of consciousness aka “on the

nod”• Addiction drives user for next fix to “feel

normal” and to keep “the sick off”Vicious cycle begins….

Short Term Consequences

• Slowed breathing and heart rate• Clouded thinking• Drowsiness/sedation• Nausea/vomiting• Hypothermia/Cold Sweats• Coma or death due to overdose from lack of

oxygen to brainSOUNDS APPEALING, Huh!

Long Term Consequences

• Collapsed veins from injections• Infected blood vessels and other vital organs• AIDS/contagious infections from needle

sharing• Respiratory problems and immune system

breakdown• Coma or death due to overdose from lack of

oxygen to the brain

Warning Signs of Use

• Changes in friends/attitude/behavior• Secretive meetings/frequent calls• Sickness/loss of appetite• Nodding off/oversleeping• Blackouts/Loss of memory• Long sleeves in warm weather• Money disappearing

How can I help?

• You already are….• Education leads to Prevention• This presentation is one of many steps in

preparing oneself in case you encounter this situation with a loved one, friend, co-worker, etc.

• Foster open communication about the negative affects of addiction to prescription drugs and heroin.

Why we must talk about this in our community…

Every day….• Families are torn apart due to watching a

loved one steal, lie and slowly kill themselves through addiction

• Businesses and property owners are victims of crime driven by the addiction

Why we must talk about this in our schools

Every Day…..• Students are hurt by alcohol and drug abuse..• Recognized diminished achievement in our

schools• Greater risks on the road• Heartache of lives cut tragically short

What should I do if I am dealing with this situation?

• Remember heroin is a progressive condition• Early, proactive involvement is key• Recognize and confront the issue • Be persistent in seeking assistance• The sooner the addict seeks treatment and

professional help, the better• Quick admission into treatment for best

chance at recovery

Information and Services• Nationally – SAMHSA 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or

findtreatment.samhsa.gov

• Locally – Mental Health America (not 24/7)(920) 458-3951 or www.mhasheboygan.org

Sheboygan County Mental Health Crisis Line(920) 459-3151 (24/7)

In case of medical emergency, dial 911

What is happening in our community?

• Area Foundations are recognizing the need to provide assistance

• Educational Talks are being conducted• Area Service Providers are examining best

practices and collaborating on how to implement within our community

Service Providers are meeting with school boards, administrations, teachers and students

Increased Awareness of Drug Drop Off Points for Prescription Narcotics

• Store all needed medications in a secure, safe place

• Know what medications you have within your household

• Bring unwanted medicines to a secure drop-off box at one of the following locations:

• Police Departments: Sheboygan Falls, Sheboygan, Kohler, Plymouth, Elkhart Lake

Public Awareness

• Placement throughout Sheboygan County

Any Questions?