Fighting Back Against Heroin
There is an epidemic of heroin and other opioid use in our country, and Huntley is not immune. Many of our residents have been touched by this, some in the most tragic ways. The Huntley Police Department works to fight drugs in our community through active enforcement efforts and partnership with a number of regional taskforces. Officers also carry naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of a known or suspected opioid overdose. It is important for people to be able to spot the signs of heroin use by loved ones and know what to do to help them, as well.
There is a high addiction potential associated with heroin. For this reason, it can be a very slippery slope between use, abuse and addiction. At the outset, however, it is important to understand the distinction between physical dependence and addiction to heroin. After a period of regular use, a person will become physically dependent on heroin. Physical dependence on heroin develops when, over time, a person requires a greater amount to experience the desired pleasurable effects.
For a person with a heroin addiction, life revolves around use of the drug. A person like this might become secretive, concerned about money, and willing to skip work and family obligations in order to get drugs. Physical signs include track marks, frequent sedation, clouded thinking and flu-like symptoms such as body tremors, nausea and/or vomiting when the person is not currently under the influence of the drug.
Even a single dose of only heroin can be fatal in some cases, and continuous use is effectively a dangerous game of chance. Unintentional drug overdose deaths have climbed to record high levels, claiming approximately 70,000 lives in the United States in 2017 alone. The emergence of illicitly manufactured fentanyl (a synthetic, short-acting opioid with 50–100 times the potency of morphine) mixed into heroin, cocaine and counterfeit pills, with or without the users' knowledge, has increased the risk for fatal overdose.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, know that help is available. The Huntley Police Department is an active member of the A Way Out - McHenry County program, which helps connect individuals seeking treatment with the appropriate resources. You can learn more about the program at www.mchenrycountysac.org/awayout/.
Huntley Safety 1st is the monthly education series written by the staff of the Huntley Police Department. On the first of each month, we provide citizens with information on a different public safety related issue.