John F
Sandusky
How Bad is the Opioid Epidemic in Sandusky County, Ohio?
The opioid epidemic is a serious problem in Sandusky County, Ohio. In 2022, there were 42 unintentional drug overdose deaths in Sandusky County, which is a rate of 36.7 deaths per 100,000 population. This is significantly higher than the national average of 29.1 deaths per 100,000 population.
The most common drugs involved in overdoses in Sandusky County are fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, without the user’s knowledge. This can lead to fatal overdoses.
Heroin is a highly addictive opioid that is made from morphine. It is often injected, snorted, or smoked. Heroin overdose can cause a number of serious symptoms, including:
- Slowed breathing
- Constricted pupils
- Cold, clammy skin
- Blue lips
- Loss of consciousness
- Death
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that can be addictive. It can be snorted, smoked, or injected. Cocaine overdose can cause a number of serious symptoms, including:
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
If you or someone you know has overdosed on opioids, it is important to call 911 immediately. There is no antidote for opioid overdose, but emergency medical treatment can help save the person’s life.
There are a number of things that can be done to address the problem of the opioid epidemic in Sandusky County, including:
- Educating the public about the dangers of opioid use.
- Providing access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
- Expanding treatment options for opioid addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, there are resources available to help. You can contact the Sandusky County ADAMHS Board or our toll-free line for more information.
What Medication is Best for Withdrawal?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best medication for withdrawal will vary depending on the individual and the drug they are withdrawing from. However, some medications that are commonly used by detoxes in Ohio to treat withdrawal include:
- Methadone: Methadone is a long-acting opioid that can be used to treat withdrawal from other opioids, such as heroin or prescription pain medication. It is usually given in a clinic or doctor’s office, and it can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is another long-acting opioid that can be used to treat withdrawal from other opioids. It is available in a number of forms, including a sublingual tablet, a buccal film, and an injectable form. Buprenorphine can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and it can also help to prevent relapse.
- Naltrexone: Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the effects of opioids. It can be used to help people who are addicted to opioids stay abstinent. Naltrexone is usually taken as a pill, and it can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Gabapentin: Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that can be used to treat withdrawal from alcohol and some other drugs. It is thought to work by reducing anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms. Gabapentin is usually taken as a pill, and it can be helpful for some people who are withdrawing from drugs.
It is important to note that these are just a few of the medications that can be used to treat withdrawal. The best medication for you will depend on your individual circumstances and the drug you are withdrawing from. You should talk to your doctor or a substance abuse treatment professional to find the best medication for your needs.
In addition to medication, there are other treatments that can help with withdrawal, such as:
- Support groups: Support groups can provide you with emotional support and help you to stay motivated during withdrawal. There are many different types of support groups available, so you can find one that fits your needs.
- Counseling: Counseling can help you to understand your addiction and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. There are many different types of counseling available, so you can find one that fits your needs.
- Rehabilitation programs: Rehabilitation programs can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to detox from drugs and alcohol. They also offer counseling and other treatment services to help you stay sober in the long term.
A BETTER LIFE IS POSSIBLE
What Would Be Considered Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that can lead to negative consequences for your health, relationships, and work. It can be difficult to know if you or someone you know is abusing alcohol, but there are a few signs to look for.
- Drinking more than recommended limits: The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy drinking as more than four drinks on any day for men or more than three drinks on any day for women. If you are regularly drinking more than these limits, you may be abusing alcohol.
- Drinking to cope with stress or negative emotions: Alcohol can be a way to temporarily numb pain or forget about problems, but it is not a long-term solution. If you find yourself drinking more often when you are stressed or feeling down, it may be a sign of alcohol abuse.
- Missing work or school due to drinking: Alcohol can impair your judgment and coordination, making it difficult to function at work or school. If you are regularly missing work or school due to drinking, it may be a sign of alcohol abuse.
- Getting into trouble with the law due to drinking: Alcohol can impair your judgment and make you more likely to engage in risky behavior, such as driving drunk or fighting. If you have gotten into trouble with the law due to drinking, it may be a sign of alcohol abuse.
- Having problems with your relationships: Alcohol can damage your relationships with friends and family. If your drinking is causing problems in your relationships, it may be a sign of alcohol abuse.
- Having health problems due to drinking: Alcohol can damage your liver, heart, and other organs. If you are experiencing health problems that are related to alcohol use, it may be a sign of alcohol abuse.
What are the Prominent Withdrawal Symptoms of Alcohol Consumption?
Alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that can occur when someone who has been drinking heavily suddenly stops drinking. It can be life-threatening, so it is important to seek medical help if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
The most common withdrawal symptoms from alcohol consumption include:
- Anxiety: This is one of the most common withdrawal symptoms, and it can be very severe. People who are withdrawing from alcohol may feel restless, irritable, and on edge. They may also have trouble sleeping and concentrating.
- Insomnia: People who are withdrawing from alcohol often have trouble sleeping. They may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are also common withdrawal symptoms. They can be very unpleasant and can make it difficult to eat or drink.
- Headaches: Headaches are another common withdrawal symptom. They can be mild or severe, and they can last for several days.
- Tremors: Tremors are involuntary shaking movements that can occur in the hands, arms, legs, and face. They can be mild or severe, and they can make it difficult to do everyday tasks.
- Sweating: Excessive sweating is another common withdrawal symptom. It can be very uncomfortable and can make it difficult to regulate your body temperature.
- Chest pain: Chest pain is a less common withdrawal symptom, but it can be serious. If you experience chest pain while withdrawing from alcohol, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
- Seizures: Seizures are a rare but serious withdrawal symptom. If you experience a seizure while withdrawing from alcohol, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
If you are experiencing any of these withdrawal symptoms, it is important to seek medical help. Withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous, so it is important to get professional help if you are struggling. Please seek out professional help from a detox center in Ohio.
Cities, Towns, and Villages
- Bellevue
- Clyde
- Fremont (county seat)
- Gibsonburg
- Green Springs
- Helena
- Lindsey
- Woodville
Free Resources for Substance Abuse Disorder
- The Sandusky County Health Department’s Overdose Prevention Program provides naloxone training and distribution.
- The Sandusky County ADAMHS Board’s Substance Abuse Treatment Program provides treatment for drug addiction.
- The Sandusky County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board’s Recovery Support Services program provides support and resources for people in recovery.
Find the Best Detox in Ohio
If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction or alcoholism and would like help from a detox center in Ohio, please contact our toll-free line today. A substance abuse specialist is standing by ready to help you through this difficult time however they can. The call and over the phone assessment are free of charge and completely confidential. We will help you find an available bed at the top detox center in your area. Whether you have private insurance, state insurance, or no insurance; we can help. Call today, a better life is possible.
