As beautiful as San Diego and its climate is, it’s long been known that the propensity for drug use there is very high. With its close proximity to Mexico and a favorable location in Southern California, there is a wide availability of illicit drugs. Finding a San Diego rehab center is a task many individuals and families are faced with as they combat drug addiction.
Drug Abuse Trends in San Diego County
In a 2014 report by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIH) titled “Drug Abuse Patterns and Trends in San Diego County” by Dr. Karla Wagner, she wrote,” Two key findings for San Diego for this reporting period are 1.) increasing indicators for methamphetamine, after several years of mixed or declining indicators, and 2.) continued gradual increases in all heroin indicators, accompanied by a growing local concern about overdose deaths involving heroin/morphine and transitions by users from prescription opioids to heroin.”[1]
Heroin Deaths Increasing in San Diego County
Five years later, in October of 2019, the County of San Diego reported in a release by the Communications Office that, “Local prescription drug deaths declined in 2018. Deaths due to heroin increased. And fentanyl deaths continued to climb.”[2] While the opioid epidemic has quietly slid into the background of news reporting, the use of heroin as the drug of choice by those abusing drugs is increasing.
Physical Symptoms of Heroin Use
As heroin use continues to rise in San Diego, those addicted to heroin and showing symptoms also is rising. A friend or family member of a heroin user would very likely have noticed some of these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Dry Mouth
- Flushed Skin
- Constricted pupils
- Changes in behavior
- Confusion or disorientation
- Memory Loss
Heroin Withdrawal
The symptoms caused by heroin withdrawal can start as soon as a few hours after using heroin, even for the first time. Common withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Bone and muscle pain
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal upset
The symptoms of withdrawal are persistent and strong, making it extremely difficult to stop using heroin.
The Costs of Drug Addiction
The costs of drug addiction are both measurable and unmeasurable. Economic costs are data-driven and can be measured in terms of dollars and cents. The personal costs of drug addiction are not nearly as measurable because of the personal toll addiction takes on an individual.
In an article published by the Network of Care, the American Psychological Association stated that “It is estimated that the total economic cost of alcohol and drug abuse is more than $240 billion annually. About $97 billion is due to drug abuse. This estimate includes abuse treatment, prevention costs, health care, costs due to reduced job productivity or lost earnings, crime, and social welfare.”[3] The economic cost is both measurable and remarkable.
The personal costs of drug abuse are not quantifiable, but they are unarguable. They manifest themselves in:
- Loss of employment
- Loss of self-esteem
- Alienation from friends and family
- The decline of physical condition
- Addiction related illnesses
- Arrest by law enforcement
- Increase in risky behavior
Helping the Drug Abuser Through San Diego Rehab
It is difficult for someone not trained in drug abuse treatment methods to help someone they know to deal with and overcome their drug abuse. Because it is doubtful that the untrained will succeed in helping the drug user, professional assistance through a treatment center is the best course of action.
Ocean Hills Recovery is located just north of San Diego County in San Juan Capistrano, CA. For someone suffering from drug abuse in San Diego County, seeking treatment outside of the county may be preferable. One of Ocean Hills’ mottoes is, “A new location, a new you.”
Contact Ocean Hills Recovery today and take the first step down the road of recovery.
Sources:
[1] https://archives.drugabuse.gov/san-diego-county-california
[2] https://www.countynewscenter.com/opioid-use-slowing-but-continues-to-take-san-diegans-lives/
[3] https://sandiego.networkofcare.org/mh/library/article.aspx?id=393
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