U.S. Attorney and Drug Rehab Centers in Kansas Fight Opioid and Heroin Epidemic
An estimated 27,000 people die from opioid overdoses in the U.S. every year, according to a report published by The National Heroin Task Force. In an effort to combat the state’s opioid and heroin epidemic, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas is prioritizing the prosecution of local drug traffickers who deal in heroin. Drug rehab centers in Kansas are also addressing the state’s opioid epidemic by helping struggling opioid addicts overcome heroin and opioid dependence.
If you have a problem with opioid addiction, or suspect you might have a problem, call our helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about your rehab options. One of our experienced addiction treatment specialists will help you find drug rehab centers in Kansas that can successfully help you achieve sobriety.
Prosecuting the Parties Driving Opioid Addiction
Kansas is looking for support from law enforcement to help fight the opioid and heroin epidemic.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Kansas says the cases with topmost priority are those involving heroin drug traffickers who have been tied to fatal drug overdoses. Tom Beall, acting U.S. Attorney for Kansas, says almost 80% of new heroin users become addicted to the drug after abusing opioid painkillers that may or may not have been prescribed to them. Beall says heroin is far less costly than prescription opioids, and easily accessible on the streets.
In addition to prosecuting opioid overdose deaths in Johnson, Wyandotte, and Leavenworth counties, Beall says his office is prosecuting pill mill operators distributing opioid painkillers. Last year in Kansas alone, over 20 defendants went to federal prison for being connected to pill mill operations. Beall says one of the defendants was a doctor from Lenexa who unlawfully prescribed opioid painkillers to distributors and users on the streets of Kansas City.
Beall and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Kansas says the state has plans to improve its prescription drug monitoring system and host several drug take-back events to help fight opioid addiction. Beall wants support from numerous agencies throughout Kansas to combat the state’s opioid and heroin epidemic, including law enforcement, public health officials, and educational institutions.
Fighting Opioid Addiction With Rehab and Addiction Treatment
Individuals who struggle with opioid addiction can achieve sobriety by seeking treatment at a drug rehab center. Drug rehab centers have the resources needed to help heroin and opioid addicts overcome dependence using a combination of medication, counseling, and therapy. Rehab centers can help opioid addicts stop using heroin and other opioids without experiencing strong drug cravings and painful, severe withdrawal symptoms.
In addition to helping addicts overcome physical dependence on opioids, rehab centers teach recovering addicts how to cope and function in the real world without turning to drugs. This often involves a combination of counseling and therapy sessions that address the underlying causes of addiction. For instance, patients can learn how to find new hobbies and interests that prevent them from turning to drug use out of boredom.
Best of all, drug rehab centers help recovering opioid addicts avoid future relapses so they can stay healthy and drug-free. Relapses can often result in coma or death, especially when users take the same strong doses they did before quitting. The higher the number of opioid addicts who seek addiction treatment at rehab, the lower the number of opioid overdose deaths there will be for Kansas and the entire U.S.
If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin or opioid addiction, understand that you’re not alone in your fight. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about drug rehab centers in Kansas that can successfully help you overcome opioid dependence and get back to living a happier and healthier drug-free life!