Warwick, Rhode Island Substance Abuse Problems
Warwick, Rhode Island, like nearby Providence, is fighting high rates of drug and alcohol abuse. In 2016, Kent County’s Warwick police received 200 calls from Warwick residents regarding drug overdoses. In response, they used Narcan 10 times to revive those who overdosed. Rhode Island lost 239 people to substance abuse in 2014, and this number rose to 336 fatal overdoses 2 years later. Rhode Island’s death rate from substance abuse is 28.2 out of 100,000 people. Recently, local police investigated a Warwick native who delivered fentanyl, and conspired to deliver heroin. As a result of such volumes of substance abuse overdoses, Rhode Island is in the top 5 in the nation for overdose rate, and the state continues to struggle with opioid abuse use disorders.
Expecting Mothers and Opioid Cases in Warwick
Cases of expecting mothers battling opioid abuse and birthing babies craving opioids remains high statewide. Oftentimes, these cases involve a mother and a prescription opioid dependence that transitions to stronger, illicit opioids. In 2014, there were 97 cases of Rhode Island babies who were dependent on opioids. Babies are often prescribed small doses of the opioid they are dependent on to avoid painful withdrawal symptoms.
Warwick Adolescent Drug Abuse
A recent study looked at adolescent substance abuse in Warwick.
5
percent
5% of Warwick middle schoolers abuse alcohol.
6%
6% of Warwick middle schoolers abuse marijuana.]
3%
percent
3% of Warwick middle schoolers abuse prescription drugs.
Warwick high schoolers were also studied, and the findings concluded 26% of high schoolers abused alcohol, 36% of high schoolers abused marijuana, and 15% of high schoolers abused prescription drugs. The study found students commonly engaged in alcohol abuse or underaged drinking. Additional trends found adolescents who drank alcohol engaged in binge drinking. Lastly, Warwick adolescents who drank alcohol risked alcohol-related injuries by engaging in driving under the influence of alcohol.
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Opioid Withdrawal
Opioids, both prescription and illicit, have a powerful effect on the mind and can send someone into uncomfortable withdrawal. Opioids connect with opioid receptors in the brain, producing euphoria, amongst many other effects. Once someone experiences the “high” they seek, opioid use can be extremely difficult to stop. Withdrawal symptoms typically occur during a cold turkey phase, which is suddenly stopping, or after someone gradually weens themselves off an Opioid.
Withdrawal is best handled with the guidance of a professional where the individual can be supervised. With professional supervision, people receive medication and additional assistance to help reduce the painful symptoms of withdrawal.
The Power of Detox
Detox is defined as “the process by which an individual is withdrawn from the effects of a psychoactive substance.” Detox for opioid abuse can allow someone to restore their mind and body from opioid dependence and heal symptoms that occur through the different stages of withdrawals. Common medications that are used in opioid detox include clonidine, methadone, and buprenorphine. In addition to opioids, detoxing for substances like cocaine and methamphetamines can have a host of distressing withdrawal symptoms best treated in a facility.
Help Is Available
Hope is not lost if you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse in Warwick. Help is readily available. Your life can be free of substance abuse and possible underlying mental health conditions. Contact a dedicated provider in order to find the help you need today.
