Fentanyl-Laced Counterfeit Pills are a Growing Problem in Texas

Fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills are becoming a problem in Texas.

Fatal overdoses caused by fentanyl are growing problem across the country as research shows that accidental fentanyl use is increasing. According to a report issued by the Partnership for Safe Medicines, Texas has joined a list of 40 states that are facing a proliferation of counterfeit painkillers manufactured using illegal fentanyl.

With a potency 50 to 100 times greater than morphine, fentanyl is most often used legally to treat advanced cancer pain and frequently comes in lozenge or patch form. However, fentanyl’s availability on the black market has grown in recent years. Law enforcement officials in numerous states have discovered heroin laced with fentanyl in drug busts and while investigating fatal overdoses, and now the illicit use of fentanyl has expanded to counterfeit medications as well. Fake pills made of fentanyl are frequently made to look like many of the legal prescription drugs that are highly addictive, and the difference between real and counterfeit pills can be difficult to distinguish despite their vastly different potencies.

Why have black market manufacturers begun counterfeiting medications using fentanyl? According to Lisa McElhaney, president of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, the reason is simple: money. McElhaney says that counterfeiting medications using fentanyl is “relatively cheap” while “the profit margin is phenomenal…you’re talking about such a minuscule amount, but it has such a heavy potency and purity level that it is fatal.” U.S. Attorney John Parker says that supply is also part of the growing problem, as illegal fentanyl is surprisingly easy to import from countries like China.

The threat of fentanyl-laced medication initially emerged in northern states, but its spread to the rest of the country has been rapid. The unit commander of Johnson County’s Stop the Offender Program, Larry Sparks, noted that the problem of counterfeit pills made with fentanyl is “starting to get big here in Texas,” with 2017 standing as the program’s busiest year yet.

While counterfeit medications are inherently dangerous, the risks presented by accidentally ingesting fentanyl are particularly great. Recent data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that over half of those who fatally overdosed on opioids in 10 states in the latter half of 2016 also had fentanyl in their system, suggesting that fentanyl increases the risk of lethal overdose. Indeed, the danger of accidental overdose on fentanyl is so great that even forensic examiners are at risk. Officials at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration state that analysts examining fentanyl in state and federal forensic labs must take special precautions as lethal doses of the drug can be accidentally absorbed through the skin or inhaled.

While U.S. Attorney John Parker believes that Texas is going to see “a continued increase and spike in the number of overdoses and deaths” caused by inadvertent fentanyl use, law enforcement has made some progress in curbing the problem. Last August, investigators with the Stop the Offender Program arrested Brady Wirth Gaisser for running an illegal processing lab for carfentanil, a synthetic opioid analogous to fentanyl; Gaisser currently faces first-degree felony charges.

If someone feels they have developed a dependency on prescription medication, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.  As the federal government continues to crack down on doctors that over-prescribe these medications, the black market will be flooded with counterfeit drugs.  At Bay Area Recovery Center, we are committed to helping people through the recovery process and preventing an accidental overdose.

Suboxone Clinic Near Houston

Suboxone Medically Assisted Detox and Treatment

Suboxone is the brand name of a drug (controlled substance) that combines Buprenorphine and Naloxone. Buprenorphine is a narcotic Opioid and Naloxone is an Opioid antagonist added to the medication to discourage the use of the drug intravenously. Although Buprenorphine has been around since the 1970’s, Buprenorphine by itself (Subutex) and Buprenorphine and Naloxone (Suboxone) were first approved for the treatment of Opioid addiction in the US in 2002. Physicians are limited to the number of patients they are allowed treat at a time and must complete special training in order to be allowed to prescribe or treat patients with Subutex or Suboxone. This can sometimes make it difficult to find doctors who prescribe these medications or have openings for new patients.

Suboxone comes in different strengths or doses. The most common seen is 8mg/2mg, meaning 8 milligrams of Buprenorphine and 2 milligrams of Naloxone. It also comes in 2mg/0.5mg and 12mg/3mg. Suboxone can come in pill form but most commonly comes in the form of a dissolvable film. Both are typically orange and have a type of tang smell and flavor. Suboxone can be taken sublingually, meaning dissolved under the tongue, or through buccal administration, meaning dissolved in the cheek. Suboxone is a powerful narcotic and can cause serious and even life threatening side effects. These side effects can be intensified by using sedatives or other drugs or alcohol while taking Suboxone.

Can Suboxone Cure Opiate Addiction?

Suboxone is not a miracle drug that magically cures opioid addiction. Research has shown addiction is a chronic disease effecting the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of the person. Suboxone only treats the physical aspect of this addiction. Furthermore, Suboxone use can lead to further opioid dependence and addiction. This powerful medication should only be used to taper off opiates, such as prescription pills or heroin.

Is Suboxone Addictive?

Yes Suboxone is just as addictive as Heroin, but not as desirable. Suboxone is a legal substitute allowing the opiate addicted man or woman to legally feed their cravings and suppress their physical addiction. The effects are mild, the onset of the medications effects are slow, but the drug has a very long duration or half life in the body.

How Does Suboxone Work?

Buprenorphine produces a similar, yet weaker effect than heroin or similar opiates like fentanyl. Specifically called an opioid partial agonist. Unlike heroin or similar opioids it has a ceiling effect, meaning the effects increase until the person takes a certain amount and then the effects level off and nothing more can be felt by the user.  This lowers the abuse potential of Suboxone, but most Suboxone users have found that using less causes a minor euphoric high and that is enough for an opiate addict to continue using Suboxone. This ceiling effect is due to the naloxone in the medication and chemically binds to the receptor negating the effects of the partial agonist.

Can I use opiates while on Suboxone?

Yes, but the effects of the opiate are negated due to the naloxone which is bound to the same receptors. Some report getting sick using opiates while on suboxone, and others simply waste the opiate because they cannot feel anything. This is another reason why the medical establishment has started to prescribe Suboxone in both civilian life,  jails, institutions and treatment centers.

Why are so many rehabs and clinics prescribing Suboxone?

Suboxone is a legal prescription like methadone. Suboxone is typically used to treat Opiate or Opioid withdrawal. It is given as a taper, meaning less and less of the drug is given to ease the patient off and into sobriety. A typical taper lasts anywhere from 7 to 14 days and typically starts with doses ranging from 4mg to 12mg with the final doses being much less. The exact length of the taper and doses are determined by a couple of factors. The first factor being withdrawal symptoms usually measured by a Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale or COWS. The second factor being the amount of Opiates or Opioids the patient was using as well as the length of time the patient has been using them. Some doctors have been known to prescribe Suboxone as a maintenance drug, meaning they continue to give the patient Suboxone indefinitely. This is typically done in the name of harm reduction. The idea is that a supervised program is less harmful than IV Heroin use or unsupervised street drugs.

The reality of a maintenance program is that many Suboxone users become addicted and have found that Suboxone is having worse withdrawals than heroin or prescription pills. They essentially end up in a worse situation than their previous addiction. We regularly see patients with a minor pill addiction on large amounts of Suboxone with zero treatment. Doctors are prescribing Suboxone and the patient is not given a plan to eventually stop the medication.

Suboxone is used quite often by detox facilities with heroin addiction. Its a great tool if used properly and under the case of an addiction specialist. For example we can use Suboxone to help a patient detox from heroin or prescription pills. With a goal of totally removing the medication from the system before treatment begins.

You will find that there are many philosophies on addiction and majority of Suboxone prescribers believe it is only a physical ailment and not one that effects the persons physical, mental and spiritual being. This allows rehab professionals to confidently prescribe Suboxone and expect the opiate user to get back to life and find some normalcy. The fault with this philosophy is that the patient trades one substance for another, and their underlying aches and pains are never resolved. The reason why they numbed themselves with opiates, alcohol, and other substances are still causing mental and spiritual pain. This is why many stop Suboxone and end up back on Heroin so that they can feel that high again and get their release.  Otherwise Suboxone doesn’t do much for the addict, except suppress cravings.

What are Symptoms and Side Effects of Suboxone?

• Muscle Aches & Pains
• Sleeplessness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Stomach Pains
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Fever and Chills
• Diarrhea
• Overall decline of physical health (Mental as well).

How Do I Stop Using Suboxone?

If you or a loved one are on Suboxone and want to get off, our team has helped many men and woman taper off this medicine. Our medical staff understands the half life and how the body metabolizes the medication and the lingering effects post Withdrawl. They also understand why the abuse started in the first place. Our team will help you create a plan to help with withdrawal symptoms once the medication is stopped. This detox phase varies and depends on the patients history, how much and how long they have been on Suboxone, and how often they take it.  This can last anywhere between 7 to 14 days. You do not leave our detox with more medication and we do not offer a Suboxone treatment plan post rehab. We believe sobriety happens when all chemicals have left the system and the crux of their Addiciton is dealt with head on. Otherwise the patient has no reason to get clean because they are constantly feeding their cravings with Suboxone and other opiate alternatives like Zubsolv, subutex, methadone and so forth.

What is precipitated Suboxone Withdrawl?

When starting a Suboxone taper it is important that the patient is experiecning active withdrawal. If Suboxone is administered too soon it can cause precipitated withdrawal. Precipitated withdrawal is like opioid withdrawal except it is more intense and comes on suddenly. This happens because the patients receptors have an existing opiate and the Suboxone removes that opiate from the receptor. This process causes a serious reaction and can be very painful and scary. Depending on which opiate you are taking, it can take 12 to 72 hours before you can take Suboxone after your last dose.

What are the symptoms of precipitated Withdrawl?

• Agitation
• Anxiety/Panic Attach
• Excessive Sweating
• Muscle and Joint Pains
• Unable to Sit Still/Fidgeting
• Insomnia
• Uncontrollable Yawning
• Runny Nose/Sniffles
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Dilated Pupils
• Elevated Vital Signs/Increases Blood Pressure/Increased Heart Rate/Heavy or Labored Breathing

What if I am Taking Benzodiazepines with Suboxone?

We regularly see Xanax and Suboxone being prescribed together. Benzodiazepines is another class of drug and used for anxiety, panic attacks and other similar ailments. The most popular is Xanax (bars).  This can be a very dangerous combination due to the combined cardiovascular effects on the body. Detoxing from both medications at the same time can cause quite a bit of pain and we follow a similar plan to Suboxone only detox. We slowly taper our clients off the medication and estimate the half life and timeline of detox. Its best to speak to your detox facility, and before committing to detox the patient should try to lower their doses as much as possible. Allowing a faster and easier detox on the body.

Suboxone Should Only Be Used for Medically assisted Detox.

It is important to remember that Suboxone is a serious and dangerous drug. It is a narcotic and when used improperly can lead to serious consequences and even death. Using Suboxone as a detox medication can be a very effective way to combat the symptoms of opiate and opioid withdrawal although it is imperative that person seek help from a certified professional or facility like Bay Area Recovery Center.  Under no circumstances should someone try to detox themselves.  It is very important to only take Suboxone under the supervision of a physician. We have successfully treated the chemical dependent for over 20 years.  Let us provide you with help you need, call us now (713) 999-0116 or (281) 853-8715

Get Off Suboxone and Become Productive Again.

We have found that most Suboxone users have the same mental and spiritual ailments they had while using heroin. Although they are no longer at risk of committing felonies or getting possession charges, they still have depression, lack of motivation, focus and happiness.

We know what it feels like to be numb and not have the desire we once had when we were sober and ready to tackle life. Its a bad situation for everyone involved, but we also know what it takes to get off all substances and learn how to get back to life and deal with reality. We’ve been doing this for decades now and many on our staff have been in your shoes. They have dedicated their lives to helping men and woman just like you or your loved one.

Give us a call and start the conversation. Its totally free and we promise we are unlike most corporate rehabs out there in the country. Our team will actually be there to listen and help you realize what it takes to get your life back in order. When you are ready we can help you get into rehab and on track for sobriety.

Heroin Rehab & Medically Assisted Detox in Houston, TX

20 Years of Treating Heroin Addiction, Detox & Treatment

Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug in the opiate family. If you are addicted to heroin and are ready for help, you have come to the right place. At Bay Area Recovery Rehab Centers we have seen a noticeable increase in heroin addiction and have spent the last two decades helping heroin users free themselves from their addiction. From medically assisted detox to inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab we have a full service treatment program available for men and women.

The heroin rehab industry has grown over the last decade and has become worth billions of dollars. From medically assisted treatment – MAT (long term use of Suboxone or methadone) to vacation rehabs, it has become very tedious navigating through the web of rehabs and finding a rehab that actually treats the addiction, and equips the patient with the tools necessary to leave rehab and achieve lifelong sobriety.

Heroin Addiction is a Three Fold Disease. Physical, Mental & Spiritual

The facts have led us to believe addiction is a chronic disease and the physical aspect of detox is only one symptom of many. This fact has been backed up by the research at The American Society of Addiction Medicine and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependance who have defined alcoholism and addiction as a chronic disease. A threefold illness that affects the mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing of the patient.

How does heroin detox work?

The first step of our heroin treatment program starts by removing the patient from their environment where the addiction thrives. The hardest part of this process for most heroin addicts is physical withdrawals and detox. This can be a scary thought for most addicts. Withdrawing from heroin is not easy and it comes with mental and physical pain. To help the patient safely detox, our treatment program offers a medically assisted detox for all patients with an opiate addiction.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of heroin?

• Cold sweats
• Difficulty sitting still/restlessness
• Dilated pupils
• Nausea
• Vomiting or dry heaves
• Decreased appetite
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Trouble with sleep or sleeplessness
• Diarrhea
• Flu-like symptoms
• Skin crawls or goose flesh
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Increased blood pressure and or heart rate
• Heavy breathing

What is a medically assisted detox for heroin?

The focus of a medically assisted detox is to alleviate the physical addiction to heroin as safely as possible. Our goal is to remove the substance entirely from the client’s system, taking away the physical dependance of the drug. Our medically assisted detox is managed by our medical staff that includes a licensed doctor and nurses. First, our doctor performs a thorough mental and physical assessment of the client and prescribes the proper medications to treat the client’s withdrawal symptoms. From this point forward the client’s vital stability and symptom reduction is closely monitored by our nursing and direct care technicians.

To treat heroin withdrawal symptoms, we use a Suboxone taper withdrawal protocol to alleviate the worst of the physical symptoms. As clients conclude the detox phase of treatment, they can expect to experience minimal, if any, remaining physical withdrawal symptoms.  This allows the clients to move onto the next phase of inpatient treatment, which focuses on the mental addiction of their illness.

More details are available by calling our heroin treatment experts. Our team has years of experience dealing with heroin addiction and what it takes to achieve sobriety, our team wants you to be successful and achieve recovery from heroin addiction. Starting with a caring, knowledgeable team of addiction treatment specialists, who will help you figure out the best timeline, verify your insurance or see which one of our rehabilitation facilities is nearest you. We have locations in Houston, Texas and surrounding suburbs including Clear Lake, Pasadena, Webster, and Dickinson, Texas. This is free of charge and you will get the answers you have been looking for.

Do you need to go to inpatient rehab for heroin addition?

Once detox has completed, we recommend every patient enter a 30,60 or 90-day addiction treatment program. Intensive inpatient rehab is necessary for success because the detox phase only alleviates the physical ailments of heroin addiction. Without further treatment, the detox phase is a waste of time if the underlying reasons for using heroin are not treated. The goal of residential inpatient is to treat the root cause of heroin addiction through education and therapy. Healing the mental and spiritual aspects of the person.

Inpatient Rehab Is A Time To Heal and Grow. Not a Vacation.

Many inpatient rehabs simply give the patient a reboot and escape from reality. Offering activities to keep their mind occupied and away from reality. We believe inpatient rehab is a time to identify and work on the underlying causes of the addiction. Although we have comforting facilities with activities to keep our patients occupied, majority of their time is spent preparing for release back into society. This is realized through education, community, and hard work. Getting down to the root cause of the addiction and working with heroin addiction professionals who have helped many men and women free themselves from the addiction of heroin. From the intimate one on one work to group sessions and stories shared by sober heroin addicts. Our clients learn from the best and graduate our treatment program with a clear understanding of what it takes to get sober and stay sober.  Ensuring rehab is effective and the foundation of lifelong sobriety.

Our heroin specific treatment program was created with decades of experience and professionals who have decades of sobriety and want to see every patient become a successful member of their family and community.  Our heroin treatment services include and are not limited to:

• 30 / 60 to 90 Day Residential Rehab
• Group Therapy
• Cognitive Therapy & Intervention
• Behavioral Therapy
• Learning Coping Mechanisms
• Chemical dependency education and interactive group counseling sessions
• Individual counseling sessions
• Personal social adjustment training
• Vocational adjustment and employment readiness training; job placement services
• Twelve Step support group orientation
• Relapse prevention
• Structured activities

General Daily Schedule For Bay Area Recovery Inpatient Programs

• Morning – A typical day begins with a nutritious breakfast followed by morning meditation. Individual and group counseling sessions and peer-driven groups round out the mid-morning activities.
• Afternoon – Midday activities start with a balanced, healthy lunch followed by group counseling session that cover topics including chemical dependency and relapse prevention. After these sessions, clients enjoy personal time and dinner.
• Evening – After dinner clients attend peer support groups and an outside 12-step meeting before wrapping scheduled activities at 9-9:30.

Separate facilities for men & woman

1. Men’s Inpatient Rehab
2. Women’s Inpatient Rehab

The next step for many patients is outpatient rehab. Whether it is court ordered or not, it is a good idea to continue staying in contact with professionals who can guide the newly recovered addict or alcoholic.  We have multiple outpatient facilities throughout Houston, and we will organize outpatient services during the treatment phase.

A History of Heroin Abuse & Opiates

Opiates are drugs made from the poppy plant and are considered “natural”. Opioids are synthetic drugs that act very similar to Opiates. Opioids include: Hydrocodone, Fentanyl, OxyContin, Methadone and Suboxone. Opiates include: Heroin, Codeine and Morphine. Heroin was first made in the 1800’s as diamorphine and marketed under the name “Heroin” as a “non-addictive” morphine substitute and cough syrup. In the 1920’s Heroin became illegal and is considered a Schedule I substance meaning it has no currently acceptable medical use and has a high potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous drugs of all the drug schedules with potentially severe psychological or physical dependence.

Most of the world’s poppy grown in Afghanistan and Southeast Asia in a region known as the Golden Triangle. There is also some poppy grown in the Sinaloa region of Mexico and in parts of Columbia. Once raw opium is turned into Heroin it is smuggled into the US through various drug cartels and trafficking groups. In some countries being caught or convicted of trafficking Heroin can carry a death sentence. Heroin has been tied to terrorism and is an important source of income for many terrorist organizations. Once in the US, it is sold in bulk then diluted or “cut” and sold in usable amounts for as much as $150 a gram.

In the last 10-15 years Heroin has increased in popularity and use due to America’s prescription drug problem. The majority of Heroin users report starting with prescription painkillers such as Vicodin, Norco, OxyContin and Dilaudid then find their way to Heroin because it is cheaper and more available. It’s hard to say exactly how many people in the world use Heroin. Some estimate there are around 13 to 14 million people in the world that use Opiates or Opioids which includes as many as 9 million users. In the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s 2016 Facts and Figures they estimate that in 2014 1.9 million people 12 or older had a substance use disorder involving prescription painkillers and 586,000 had a substance use disorder involving Heroin.

Heroin comes in various forms. The purest form of it is white powder sometimes known as “China White”. Powder Heroin can come in different colors and textures due to impurities in the manufacturing process or additives. It can also come in the form of “black tar” a dark brown or black sticky substance. Heroin is often “cut” or diluted by dealers to stretch their supply. Dealers have been known to add anything from sugar to powdered milk. Heroin has also been found with strychnine and various other poisons added. This makes it all the more dangerous. Users rarely know what strength they are getting or what type of additives it may include.

What are common slang terms for heroin?

• China
• China White
• Smack
• Schmeck
• Chick
• Boy
• Brown
• Tar
• Black
• Blanco
• Bomb
• Shit
• H
• H Bomb
• Heavy
• Caca
• Chieva
• Horse
• Dirt
• Dope

Heroin can be used multiple different ways. Heroin can be injected intravenously or subcutaneously. This is the most powerful and direct method. Heroin can be smoked often using tin foil and a straw. It can be inhaled through the nose or “snorted” and can also be taken orally. Most users report starting with smoking or snorting Heroin and then move onto intravenous use or “shooting up”.

What are the signs and symptoms of heroin abuse?

• Depression
• Lack of motivation
• A decline in personal hygiene
• Slurred speech
• Hostility
• Mood swings
• People often become withdrawn from friends and family
• Sleeping all day or for long periods of times
• Runny nose/constant sniffling
• Falling asleep or “nodding off” during the day
• Dark circles around the eyes
• Needle marks on the arms legs or hands
• Skin abscesses or infections
• The presence of drug paraphernalia: needles or needle caps or burnt spoons or foil
• Unexplained money spending or selling of valuables or stealing

Purity or strength of Heroin can vary drastically and one of the greatest dangers of use is “overdose”. Heroin is a sedative and slows breathing and heart rate. When a person takes too much of the drug their heart can stop or they can stop breathing all together. Combining it with other sedatives like alcohol or benzodiazepines can greatly increase the risk of overdose.

What are the signs of opiate overdose?

• Slowed or stopped heart rate
• Blue lips or skin
• Unresponsive
• Slowed or stopped breathing
• Weak pulse
• Disorientation

If you suspect someone has overdosed on heroin, you must contact paramedic immediately. Paramedics may be able to administer Naltrexone. Naltrexone is an antagonist and can reverse the effects of Heroin. This is the same ingredient in Suboxone and other brand names such as Zubsolv or Subutex.

When a person uses Heroin on a regular basis he or she begins to develop a tolerance for the drug. Initially what was a small or occasional habit can quickly turn into dependence. Once a person is dependent on the drug they are no longer using it recreationally. They need the drug to function normally and without it will begin to withdrawal or detox.

Heroin withdrawals or detox can last anywhere from 5 to 14 days and sub-acute symptoms can last months. Withdrawal can be very dangerous and should always be medically supervised. Medically supervised Heroin detox is often treated with Suboxone. Suboxone is administered as a taper meaning the drug is administered in lower and lower doses over a 7-14 day period. During that time the patient is monitored for vital signs and withdrawal symptoms. C.O.W.S. stands for Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale and is the standard used to assess Heroin and other Opiate or Opioid withdrawal symptoms and progress.

Some of the other risks involved in Heroin use include viral or bacterial infections caused by the use of unclean or unsterile needles. Users often lose jobs or drop out of school and become withdrawn from family friends and life. The internal spiritual and emotional condition of the users is often unbearable. They are often diagnosed with depression, bipolar or with anxiety or personality disorders. Sometimes doctors will suggest a drug substitute or maintenance program like Methadone or Suboxone. These drugs can satisfy the physical cravings for Heroin but often the obsession to change the way they feel drives the user to use other drugs or stop taking the medication and return to Heroin.

Heroin addiction is a terminal illness. It is progressive and without treatment can be fatal.  People need to know that treatment can and does work.  We treat people with Heroin addiction on a daily basis and have successfully for over 20 years.  Call us now at 281-705-3457 and let us be the help you’re looking for.

Reality Of Unintentional Drug Poisoning In The U.S.

Almost any drug can become lethal poison when accidentally ingested or taken in amounts that exceed healthy limits. Another cause of unintentional poisoning is found when the elderly mistakenly take the wrong drug to treat a chronic condition. But, of all the accidental overdoses, opioids are causing the largest increase in accidental overdoses that lead directly to death.

Unintentional Drug Poisoning Stats in the US

According to the CDC, here are some realities of where and how unintentional drug poisoning is occurring in the U.S.

• The highest death rates from accidental overdoses are in the Appalachian region, West Virginia, and New Mexico\
• When it comes to opioid overdoses, California and New York are the lowest per capita
• In 2006, 17,740 drug overdose deaths occurred among men and 8,660 among females
• For both men and women, the highest overdose rates were in the 45-54 years old age group
• Among illegal drugs, heroin and cocaine are responsible for most unintentional drug poisoning

The Fight Against Overdose by Prescription Opioids

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 70,200 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2017, including illicit drugs and prescription opioids—a 2-fold increase in a decade. Concerned citizens and political representatives are mounting the fight against opioid overdose on several fronts. It is starting with holding big pharmaceutical companies responsible for deceptive marketing and turning a blind eye to neighborhood clinics that have increased orders of opioids. Some states are taking preventative actions with the start of programs that target the prevention of opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose.

Fentanyl – #1 Cause of Unintentional Poisoning by Illegal Drugs

In just over 3 years, the synthetic drug fentanyl has risen to become the number one cause of accidental, illegal drug overdose in America. Pharmaceutical grade fentanyl has been used for many years as a synthetic pain killer option. But, with today’s street drug distribution, most of the fentanyl that is laced into other drugs is being transported in from other countries. The potency and the purity is questionable and people may not have the right knowledge for mixing fentanyl with other drugs.

Size and Scope of Houston Drug Busts Increasing

It is estimated that well over half of the people that are currently in prison or jail have substance abuse issues. And, one of the more common ways that drug addicts fuel their addiction is by selling drugs or committing other crimes. When a drug addict moves from using drugs to selling or manufacturing drugs, they open themselves to incarceration and a felony criminal record that can follow them for life.

Large Scale Texas Drug Busts

Texas ranks in the top 10 states for trafficking of for Heroin, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone and Oxycodone. As the size and scope of Houston drug busts continue to increase, those with a substance abuse problem should seek rehabilitation and recovery before criminal activity causes legal and financial problems that are difficult to overcome. Here are just a few of the larger Texas drug busts according to the DEA:

• In May 2017, the DEA San Antonio and Houston Offices seized 35 pounds of fraudulent oxycodone tablets containing suspected fentanyl​ along with four pill presses, one pound of fentanyl powder, 13 pounds of fraudulent Adderall and Xanax tablets.
• In May 2018, CPB in Texas seized almost 80 kilograms of marijuana that was concealed within various pieces of wooden furniture
• In November 2017, 14 Texas defendants were charged with felony offenses for their role in a Dallas-based criminal street gang that distributed cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and MDMA/oxycodone pills.

Drug addicts are likely to get caught in a drug sting while attempting to buy their drug of choice while meeting a drug dealer in person. When a drug user is caught in a sting operation, they could possibly face similar charges as the drug dealers unless they can prove otherwise. 

Houston Drug Arrests Increasing

In a more recent, March 2019 drug operation sting, more than 4 dozen people were arrested and the police confiscated $3.1 million worth of cocaine and marijuana. The DEA worked 3 years in conjunction with other local and federal law enforcement agencies on this investigation they had given the name “Operation Wrecking Ball.”  Over 300 agents executed 25 federal search warrants in the Houston metro area.

Just a few weeks before, on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, a K-9 unit sniffed out $700,000 worth of cocaine found in the possession of a 65-year-old woman in Fort Bend, TX. This woman now faces a first-degree felony charge of manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance and a second-degree felony charge of unlawful use of a criminal instrument. It is not uncommon for a single person (usually a drug runner or drug addict) to take the fall for a large drug bust while the real criminal operatives remain on the large.

Opioid Addiction and Overdose Training

The epidemic of opioid addiction continues to plague communities across the United States.  Overdose deaths have reached an all time high.  Some people may not realize just how close this crisis is to their doorstep.  This is directly affecting our families, our neighbors and our colleagues a lot of times in secrecy behind closed doors.

Opioids are a broad term for substances that attach themselves to opioid receptors in our bodies that produce euphoria like effects and are commonly used to relieve pain.  The term opioid includes opiates a older term that is used to describe drugs that are derived from opium, which is harvested from the poppy plant.  Drugs that fall into this class of substances are morphine, codeine, thebaine, heroin, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, fentanyl, buprenorphine and methadone.  Some of these substances are manufactured illegally and some synthetically in lab to be prescribed to patients for medical purposes, mainly pain relief.  Regardless of how they are manufactured all these drugs are considered to have high abuse potential.  Let me assure you these substances are highly addictive and some people have become dependent on these drugs just after one use.  If you are prescribed any of these drugs for pain relief it is imperative that you take them strictly as prescribed and for the least amount of time as possible.  Never combine opioids with other types of medications like barbiturates and benzodiapines.  When used in combination this drug cocktail increases your risk of an overdose exponentially.  These drugs are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and insomnia. This includes medications like xanax, valium and klonopin.  These are just a few there are many others.  If you’re not sure what you or a loved one has been prescribed please call your doctor.

Here at Bay Area Recovery Center we have watched first hand the rise in opioid addiction through the numbers of clients we have treated for it.  It is common for us find that many clients have accidentally overdosed before prior to seeking treatment.  Most of whom thought it would never happen to them.  Some are very lucky and never overdose but the risk is always high when abusing opioids.

Thankfully there is a medication called Naloxone, specifically designed to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.  This medication is an opioid antagonist.  This means this medicine binds to opioid receptors in a person’s body and blocks the receptors, preventing them to respond to opioids. When someone is experiencing a opioid induced overdose first responders will administer this medication to counteract the effects of the opioids essentially bringing the patient back to life.  Normally this medication is delivered intravenously or by intramuscular injection, however, within the last couple years Naloxone has been developed into a nasal spray as well. This nasal spray is a great breakthrough because friends and family of people who struggle with opioid addiction can now have access to Naloxone.  Often times they are the first responders to overdose emergencies.  This nasal spray allows them to help save a loved ones life when seconds matter.  If you know someone that has an opioid addiction please research this medication and find a Naloxone & Overdose Prevention Training in your area.  Knowledge is power and the life you save may be their own.

Upcoming Naloxone Training in the Houston, Texas area will be on:

Hosted by the Love Cassidy Foundation

Saturday – March 25, 2017

10:00am-12:00pm

KC Event Center

2655 FM 1488
Conroe, TX 77305

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment & Detox Center

Prescription Pill Detox, Inpatient & Outpatient Programs in Houston, TX

If you were to ask us what has become the most commonly abused drug people seek treatment for? Without any doubt it would be the ongoing epidemic from the misuse and abuse of prescription pills. There is probably a couple contributing factors to the significant rise of the prescription pill abuse problem.  The first reason is availability, Doctors have increased the amount of prescriptions being written and the amount prescribed over the last several years.

This also gave rise to the pill mills where people lie about their medical necessity to obtain multiple narcotic prescription pills like Vicodin, OxyContin, Hydrocodone, Valium, Xanax, Percocet, and Fentanyl. Somas and various sleep aids from questionable doctors. Luckily, police officers and other government officials have cracked down on these types of practices but not all of them.

Another contributing factor is the public’s social acceptance for taking medications for all sorts of “disorders” which includes anxiety, depression and bipolar. From the high school kid who raided their parent’s medicine cabinet, to the fortune 500 executive who has problems sleeping at night and everyone in between. These pills do not discriminate.

If someone abuses these drugs there is only one common denominator. It will lead to the destruction of their lives and most of the time the lives of the closest people around them.  One of the most unfortunate problems with these pills is the fact eventually your body will become physical dependent regardless if you want to take them or not. You will not be able to function without taking them and having to take more just to feel the effects you seek.

It is common for us to see clients who come taking 10-20 prescription pills a day to feel normal and avoid the symptoms of withdrawal.  Regardless of the amount someone takes, abuse will lead to dependency which leads to a downward spiral of other detrimental issues which include health, family, financial and legal problems.

Bay Area Recovery Center has successfully treated individuals dependent on drugs and alcohol for over 20 years.  People need to know treatment does work and there is life after addiction.  Let us use our experience and expertise to develop a detox and treatment plan that is personalized to your situation.  The illness of addiction is not something you or your family should have to go through alone.  We can help. Call us now (713) 999-0116 or (281) 853-8715.

Medically Assisted Heroin Addiction Treatment Program in Houston, TX

Heroin Detox Center in Houston

Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug in the Opiate family. If you are addicted to heroin, we beg you to seek help from a heroin rehab facility. Contact one of our Bay Area Recovery Center locations to learn more about the important first step: medically assisted heroin detox. We want you to be successful in your recovery from opiate addiction, and that starts with a caring, knowledgeable team of addiction treatment specialists. Call us to learn more about our treatment programs for Heroin addiction, verify your insurance, or see which one of our rehabilitation facilities is nearest you. We have locations in Houston, Texas and surrounding suburbs including Clear Lake, Pasadena, Webster, and Dickinson, Texas.

Opiates are drugs made from the poppy plant and are considered “natural”. Opioids are synthetic drugs that act very similar to Opiates. Opioids include: Hydrocodone, Fentanyl, OxyContin, Methadone and Suboxone. Opiates include: Heroin, Codeine and Morphine. Heroin was first made in the 1800’s as diamorphine and marketed under the name “Heroin” as a “non-addictive” morphine substitute and cough syrup. In the 1920’s Heroin became illegal and is considered a Schedule I substance meaning it has no currently acceptable medical use and has a high potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous drugs of all the drug schedules with potentially severe psychological or physical dependence.

Most of the world’s poppy grown in Afghanistan and Southeast Asia in a region known as the Golden Triangle. There is also some poppy grown in the Sinaloa region of Mexico and in parts of Columbia. Once raw opium is turned into Heroin it is smuggled into the US through various drug cartels and trafficking groups. In some countries being caught or convicted of trafficking Heroin can carry a death sentence. Heroin has been tied to terrorism and is an important source of income for many terrorist organizations. Once in the US, it is sold in bulk then diluted or “cut” and sold in usable amounts for as much as $150 a gram.

In the last 10-15 years Heroin has increased in popularity and use due to America’s prescription drug problem. The majority of Heroin users report starting with prescription painkillers such as Vicodin, Norco, OxyContin and Dilaudid then find their way to Heroin because it is cheaper and more available. It’s hard to say exactly how many people in the world use Heroin. Some estimate there are around 13 to 14 million people in the world that use Opiates or Opioids which includes as many as 9 million users. In the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s 2016 Facts and Figures they estimate that in 2014 1.9 million people 12 or older had a substance use disorder involving prescription painkillers and 586,000 had a substance use disorder involving Heroin.

Heroin comes in various forms. The purest form of it is white powder sometimes known as “China White”. Powder Heroin can come in different colors and textures due to impurities in the manufacturing process or additives. It can also come in the form of “black tar” a dark brown or black sticky substance. Heroin is often “cut” or diluted by dealers to stretch their supply. Dealers have been known to add anything from sugar to powdered milk. Heroin has also been found with strychnine and various other poisons added. This makes it all the more dangerous. Users rarely know what strength they are getting or what type of additives it may include.

Common slang terms for Heroin:

• China
• China White
• Smack
• Schmeck
• Chick
• Boy
• Brown
• Tar
• Black
• Blanco
• Bomb
• Shit
• H
• H Bomb
• Heavy
• Caca
• Chieva
• Horse
• Dirt
• Dope

Heroin can be used multiple different ways. Heroin can be injected intravenously or subcutaneously. This is the most powerful and direct method. Heroin can be smoked often using tin foil and a straw. It can be inhaled through the nose or “snorted” and can also be taken orally. Most users report starting with smoking or snorting Heroin and then move onto intravenous use or “shooting up”.

Some of the signs and symptoms of Heroin use are:

• Depression
• Lack of motivation
• A decline in personal hygiene
• Slurred speech
• Hostility
• Mood swings
• People often become withdrawn from friends and family
• Sleeping all day or for long periods of times
• Runny nose/constant sniffling
• Falling asleep or “nodding off” during the day
• Dark circles around the eyes
• Needle marks on the arms legs or hands
• Skin abscesses or infections
• The presence of drug paraphernalia: needles or needle caps or burnt spoons or foil
• Unexplained money spending or selling of valuables or stealing

Purity or strength of Heroin can vary drastically and one of the greatest dangers of use is “overdose”. Heroin is a sedative and slows breathing and heart rate. When a person takes too much of the drug their heart can stop or they can stop breathing all together. Combining it with other sedatives like alcohol or benzodiazepines can greatly increase the risk of overdose.

Some of the signs of Heroin overdose:

• Slowed or stopped heart rate
• Blue lips or skin
• Unresponsive
• Slowed or stopped breathing
• Weak pulse
• Disorientation

When a suspected overdose is or may be occurring it is a 911 situation. Paramedics may be able to administer Naltrexone. Naltrexone is an antagonist and can reverse the effects of Heroin.

When a person uses Heroin on a regular basis he or she begins to develop a tolerance for the drug. Initially what was a small or occasional habit can quickly turn into dependence. Once a person is dependent on the drug they are no longer using it recreationally. They need the drug to function normally and without it will begin to withdrawal or detox.

Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal or Detox:

• Cold sweats
• Difficulty sitting still/restlessness
• Dilated pupils
• Nausea
• Vomiting or dry heaves
• Decreased appetite
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Trouble with sleep or sleeplessness
• Diarrhea
• Flu-like symptoms
• Skin crawls or goose flesh
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Increased blood pressure and or heart rate
• Heavy breathing

Heroin withdrawals or detox can last anywhere from 5 to 14 days and sub-acute symptoms can last months. Withdrawal can be very dangerous and should always be medically supervised. Medically supervised Heroin detox is often treated with Suboxone. Suboxone is administered as a taper meaning the drug is administered in lower and lower doses over a 7-14 day period. During that time the patient is monitored for vital signs and withdrawal symptoms. C.O.W.S. stands for Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale and is the standard used to assess Heroin and other Opiate or Opioid withdrawal symptoms and progress.

Some of the other risks involved in Heroin use include viral or bacterial infections caused by the use of unclean or unsterile needles. Users often lose jobs or drop out of school and become withdrawn from family friends and life. The internal spiritual and emotional condition of the users is often unbearable. They are often diagnosed with depression, bipolar or with anxiety or personality disorders. Sometimes doctors will suggest a drug substitute or maintenance program like Methadone or Suboxone. These drugs can satisfy the physical cravings for Heroin but often the obsession to change the way they feel drives the user to use other drugs or stop taking the medication and return to Heroin.

Heroin addiction is a terminal illness. It is progressive and without treatment can be fatal.  People need to know that treatment can and does work.  We treat people with Heroin addiction on a daily basis and have successfully for over 20 years.  Call us now at 281-705-3457 and let us be the help you’re looking for.