Marietta Drug Busts
America’s opioid abuse has sparked much concern with growing numbers alarming public health officials. The United States suffered 47,000 opioid-related deaths in 2017. The state of Georgia witnessed 2.9 opioid-related female deaths per the national average of 4.4 opioid-related female deaths and 5.5 opioid-related male deaths per the national average of 8.4 opioid-related male deaths. In Marietta’s Cobb County, there were 121 opioid-related deaths in the same year.
Much more recently, varying news headlines surfaced revealing different types of drug-related activity in the city. A man was recently imprisoned for “2.5 pounds of marijuana, 104 Oxycodone pills, 7 MDMA pills, 194 grams of cocaine, 20 grams of heroin and other drug paraphernalia.” Furthermore, another drug bust recovered 40 psilocybin mushrooms, 3 crack pipes, 3 bags of meth, several bags of fentanyl, 4 fentanyl patches, 32 grams of marijuana, 5 MDMA pills, and ketamine. In addition, there was also 19 clonazepam pills, 5 cetirizine pills, 4 methocarbamol pills, 7 oxycodone pills and 5 hydrocodone pills among other chemicals.
Warning Signs of Opioid Abuse
Opioid abuse often happens when someone becomes addicted to pharmaceutical opioids for medical procedures. For example, someone gets pharmaceutical opioids for an injury related to a car crash. He or she takes the substance according to doctor’s recommendations. In some cases, individuals may grow tolerant, needing more of the drug to eliminate the pain; or may begin to abuse the drug due to pleasant side effects.
If the patient runs out of drugs, or the insurance no longer covers the substance, he or she can look for similar drugs elsewhere—in most cases on the street. Heroin can be as cheap as $5 per bag and can be as powerful or more powerful than prescription medication. After exposure, he or she can become dependent and addicted, suffering painful withdrawal symptoms and feelings of depression if weaned off the chemical. As a result, continued use of the substance may be necessary to “feel normal” and continue living his or her life. Common warning signs include:
- Needle marks on arms
- Itchy skin
- Falling asleep at odd times
- Combining drugs with other substances
- Risky behavior
- Increasing dosages of opioids
- Doctor shopping
- Withdrawal symptoms (nausea, depression, anxiety, cravings, sweating)
Doctor shopping is visiting multiple doctors to get more drugs. Patients can pretend to be desperate for medications, or sicker than they actually are. At this point, professional assistance would greatly detox someone from continuing substance abuse with 24/7 monitored care and medications to assist with withdrawal.
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Detoxing From Opioids
Detoxing from opioids is recommended for individuals seeking freedom from addiction. Abusing opioids takes a toll on the body. Going cold turkey brings about withdrawal symptoms that impact everyday life. Entering into a professional facility offers the best care that tackle addiction at the emotional and physical realm. Medical professionals provide medications like buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone. Methadone blocks cravings and the effects of opioid withdrawal but must be monitored for correct use.
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Since methadone can be addictive, pain management and supervision are suggested to ensure a healthy transition. Naltrexone helps to block the addictive effects of opioids and discourage addiction. Fortunately, once the medication is no longer used, it does not cause cravings or withdrawals. Lastly, buprenorphine also reduces and relieves opioid withdrawal.
Ready To Recover?
There are plenty of recovery options in Marietta and throughout Georgia. Deciding to get help can seem overwhelming while making a decision about which facility to choose. Contact a caring, dedicated treatment provider to talk about rehab options.
