Hsm 210 - Comtemporary Problems

Kimberly D. Eldridge

HSM/210

Soares

8/26/2015

Contemporary Problems

     I chose Substance Abusers as a target population, because it seems to be a huge problem in my area. Years ago my little county never saw a drug epidemic as we are seeing now, it seems that Heroin is overtaking our communities and killing our friends and loved ones. Substance Abuse is a very bad thing, it can be life controlling, addicting, and even death causing.  According to the New Hampshire Union Leader, a state wide newspaper for New Hampshire, Heroin deaths have topped highway fatalities in the state. That article was published in early April of this year and the amount of deaths has grown since.

     In the state of New Hampshire there are just over 12 rehabilitation centers that offer 90 day treatment programs, none of which are in a 40 mile radius of Carroll County, where I reside.  Although, they do have treatment centers most have beds that are full. Some of them only take private insurance. Luckily, we do have places around that do offer NA meetings (Narcotics Anonymous). Just like your normal AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), but for drug abusers. There are Suboxone treatment for those who are addicted to opioids, but you are finding that, the treatment they are receiving is being used as a drug also. They also have Methadone Clinics available, but a huge problem that is being seen with that is in New Hampshire they are few and in between, just like the rehabs.  Another problem for those who do seek help with their substance abuse is the lack of insurance. Although, mandatory or penalized you are supposed to have medical insurance still a lot of people don’t. That causes a huge issue, because the help isn’t really free. Another problem that we have is that there is a lack of further treatment after the detoxification or cessation services are rendered. People that may have substance abuse problems are finding that there aren’t many services for when they are finally clean, and most often end up reusing.

     With there being an epidemic here in New Hampshire especially with Heroin overdoses and deaths, the state has been doing what it can to help those who are addicted, but it costs money. In the last ten years, the number of people admitted to state funded treatment programs rose by 90% for heroin use and 500% for prescription opiate abuse. In the county I reside in we are currently facing financial problems and we really need something in our area, besides the usual (NA) meetings to help our problem with substance abuse. We need more things that entertain our children and keep them away from drugs, it’s sad, here in New Hampshire we use to have D.A.R.E. programs in our school, and I know for a fact that in my area we don’t have them anymore. Using the town Police Chief, that everyone in a small community knows personally, isn’t really helping when he says, ok kids don’t do drugs, end of story. We are in need of money for proper substance abuse treatment.