Heroin addiction treatment

Heroin Treatment in Maine

The availability and use of heroin is increasing in Maine, reflecting a trend noted throughout New England. Mostly you will find South American heroin to be the predominant type sold in the state. The MDEA Task Forces in Augusta, Bangor (Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset Counties), Lyman (York County), and Portland all reported major increases in heroin abuse during FY2000. Only authorities in northern Maine (Aroostook and Washington Counties) report no significant heroin abuse problem. However, many law enforcement sources believe that could change as individuals in those counties currently paying $80 for an 80-mg tablet of OxyContin discover that heroin use provides a more profound affect, and at a  lower cost. Dominican criminal groups operating in the state of Massachusetts are the primary suppliers of heroin in the state. Independent Caucasian dealers link to become the middle men to Caucasian users, which make up the highest percent of retail heroin buyers in the state of Maine.

State researched health data shows the abuse of heroin is increasing and Maine's Office of Substance Abuse reports that heroin has surpassed cocaine as the primary drug health threat in the state. Overdose deaths increased from two in 1995 to eight in 1998. The total number of clients admitted to drug treatment programs for heroin abuse continues to increase; there was a 29 percent rise during the first 9 months of 2000. Adding to this, admissions for heroin treatment have consistently surpassed cocaine admissions since 1997, and during the first 9 months of 2000, heroin treatment admissions outpaced cocaine admissions by 59 percent.

Compulsive lying is perhaps the hallmark of all the heroin addict. It is one of the sign to detect someone on heroin. Along with this is manipulative behavior and constant justifications with rationalizations. In fact, even when the heroin addict is caught red handed with the substance on him, he will normally try to wriggle out of the mess. "Mom, this is just stuff. It helps me cut down on smoking cigarettes. You see, I don't want to get a serious disease. I am trying to give up and instead of encouraging me, you do this. You think I am mad enough to smoke Heroin and waste my life?" This is a typical example of manipulation. Many parents succumb to such unreal explanation.

What are narcotic antagonists?

Narcotic antagonists are substances which block the "high" and other effects of opiates without causing physical dependence or producing a "high" of their own. They are tremendously useful in treating opiate overdoses and might prove useful in the treatment of opiate dependence.