Last updated : November 11, 2024
Heroin abuse in the state of Ohio has been increasing in recent years, and it has led to an increased interest in both private and workplace drug testing.
In 2010, officials found that heroin overdoses made up 22 percent of all drug fatalities in the state. By 2011, two-thirds of drug-related deaths in Ohio were caused by either heroin or prescription opiates.
Since then, it has only gotten worse. Ohio emergency medical providers now carry life-saving doses of the heroin antidote Narcan to counteract the drug’s effects in overdose victims.
Heroin 101
The opiate heroin in its medically controlled form is called diamorphine, and it is used to treat pain. In its street form, it is known by many names such as smack, horse, dope, black tar, China White or brown sugar. It is usually injected into a vein, but it may also be snorted or smoked. When used in an uncontrolled setting, the drug is highly dangerous and extremely addictive. Users quickly enter a state of relaxation and euphoria and experience a lessening of pain sensations. Brief periods of alertness often alternate with a sleepy or trance-like state. The drug slows respiration and heart rate. Because it is difficult to determine the dosage of heroin, users may experience unpleasant side effects like vomiting or severe itching. Unfortunately, reliance on prescription opiates often leads to heroin abuse when users find that the illegal version of the substance is easier to obtain. Heroin addicts may appear gaunt or have skin infections and collapsed veins. Pneumonia and contraction of HIV and hepatitis is common.
The Impact of Heroin: What Can Ohio Do?
Society pays a high price for heroin abuse. It can ruin the lives of users and those close to them. A loss of focus and interest in life and the destruction of beneficial relationships often follow addiction. Addicts may resort to theft and violent crime to support their habit. Some people are trying to address Ohio’s heroin problem by going straight to its source. Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser is regularly meeting with heroin addicts to interview them about their struggles with addiction. Since putting the word on the streets, he has received many calls and met with people who understand the drug’s effects from personal experience. Recovered heroin users could potentially help educate others. They could also provide support to drug officials, and help reduce drug-related crime.
The Value of Drug Testing
Besides gaining insight into the heroin addict’s world, another way to combat the problem is through routine workplace drug testing, and increasing numbers of Ohio employers are taking advantage of it. Convenient on-site drug testing programs are making it easier for employers to screen their workers at random intervals without a huge investment or loss of work hours. Drug-free work-place programs benefit society by discouraging heroin use in employed individuals, and they benefit businesses in a number of ways. A reduction in drug use means lower absenteeism rates, less turnover, more productivity, fewer workplace injuries, better morale and improved safety. Home drug tests that detect heroin are also available.
Ohio Heroin Users Need Help
Before it can be conquered, drug abuse must be confirmed. If physical signs of heroin use are not obvious, behavioral clues like withdrawing from family and friends, avoiding favorite hobbies or activities, serious financial problems or sharp declines in work or school performance may be signs of a developing addiction. Family and friends of suspected heroin users should take action as soon as possible to prevent their loves ones from becoming part of this year’s Ohio heroin overdose statistics.
