Women's Heroin Abuse Treatment in Boston
Most women who abuse heroin today do not fit the traditional image of a heroin addict. Upper middle class, professional, college students and suburban housewives are causing researchers to take a closer look at heroin abuse and how it affects women. This emerging demographic is very evident among affluent women in the Boston area. A federal study describing heroin abuse and women trends indicated that females between 18 to 25 with high incomes and private insurance are more frequently becoming victims of this drug.
Not surprisingly the shift indicates that, in many instances, use of prescription pain medication preceded the transition to heroin use. Even so, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the Food and Drug Administration heroin abuse has increased among all demographics.
Programs for women's heroin abuse treatment in Boston can help female patients tackle their addiction to this dangerous street drug. Contact drug detox centers in Boston to find the help you need.
Risks and Effects of Use
Some concerns and dangers include:
- While under the influence addicts typically engage in promiscuous sexual activity.
- Risk of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis
- Unplanned pregnancy are more likely to occur
- Addiction can lead to use of heroin during pregnancy
- Prenatal heroin exposure.
Although the full extent of the effects of heroin on the fetus is not known, studies show that heroin use during pregnancy has the potential to cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). When this occurs, the result can be premature birth, miscarriage, low birth weight, excessive crying, fevers, seizures diarrhea, vomiting any number of behavioral and cognitive problems as well as death.
According to CDC data comparisons from 2011 to 2014 shows heroin use doubled among women. Studies also show that the uptick in heroin abuse also correlate with the increased rate of overdose death from this drug. In the city of Boston unintentional drug overdoses increased by 39% between 2010 and 2012. During this same period there was a 76% increase in the rate of heroin overdoses which was higher than any other substance of abuse.
Escaping Heroin Addiction
Through treatment, both men and women can escape the deadly effects of heroin addiction. For those in long term addiction to this drug, the recovery process may necessitate a period of residential treatment to reduce the potential for relapse. However advancements in technology that enhance research and enable innovative treatment processes is helping to counter the long term effects of this disease. Holistic remedies for addiction also provide an adjunct to traditional treatment models and offer heroin addicts new hope for full recovery and sustainable sobriety.
If you or a loved one is dependent or addicted to heroin it may be time to seek professional help. Seek the help you need with drug addiction recovery centers in Boston, you will be assited in finding the right place for you. Call today at (877) 804-1531 to find out how you can end the cycle of heroin addiction.