Plano Treatment Centers

Plano, Texas, is currently in the grips of a heroin epidemic, just like many other parts of the country. In 2013, this particular drug was the cause a lethal overdose in seven individuals. The last time this many people had died as a result of heroin was in 1997, when Plano saw a sudden peak in heroin overdoses among young people. Today, the average age of someone overdosing on heroin is 30.

In the state of Texas as a whole, 371 people died after a heroin overdose in 2012. In 1999, this was just 111. The bulk of these did not die in Plano, but the city is earning itself a reputation of "heroin town". It gained this reputation in 1998 and 1999, when it was featured in various media outlets due to the unexpected news that such as wealthy suburb could be plagued by heroin problems.

Heroin Addiction in Plano, TX

Today, Plano no longer receives this type of media attention. This is because what's happening in Plano is happening all over the country. It is known now that a heroin addiction is incredibly difficult to beat, even with intensive treatment. And, as a result, more people are dying. Nationally, most of the heroin overdoses happen to those who are between the ages of 40 and 49, possibly the same people who used heroin in the late 90s.

Indeed, two factors seem to be at play:

1. People who have used heroin for a long time require greater doses to achieve the same effect.
2. Heroin is becoming increasingly potent, often being cut with synthetic products that are much stronger.

An added issue is that heroin is a lot more available and affordable than prescription painkillers. As a result, people are more likely to turn to heroin if they have become addicted to those. Plus, there is a significant concern about people who mix drugs together (speed balling, for instance, combines cocaine and heroin), or who use alcohol at the same time.

Peer Pressure in Plano, TX

What continues to be a significant concern for public health professionals in Plano with regards to the addiction problem is peer pressure. Young people seem to pressurize each other into drinking alcohol and using cannabis, and these often serve as gateway drugs for stronger substances. As a result, various early intervention efforts have been put in place, including coalitions between various agencies, in order to provide young people with healthy alternatives to substance abuse, and to educate them on the inherent dangers.

One of the most popular early intervention efforts is that every secondary school in Plano has a permanent substance abuse prevention specialist present. In fact, this has served as an example of best practice for cities across the country. In so doing, the city acknowledges that substance abuse is still a serious problem, but that addiction can be avoided. These specialists can also refer people to rehab and detox facilities, where they can receive treatment if they need it. Meanwhile, a lot of money have also been invested in detox and rehab treatment centers, removing various barriers to access. It is hoped that this will make a positive difference in the community as a whole.