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Sheboygan, WI (WHBL) - Heroin’s footprint is spreading in Wisconsin, according to Dr. Joel L. Olsen MD., of Prevea Health.
Dr. Olsen says that thirty nine Wisconsin counties reported heroin related deaths in 2013, including Sheboygan County - which recorded only three deaths that same year. But, Dr. Olsen says that data is two years old, and he suspects the numbers of heroin deaths in Sheboygan County are much higher now - but go largely under reported.
“County coroners say death records underestimate the number of overdose deaths,” Olsen says
According to Dr. Olsen, it is possible to get help for family or friends who become heroin addicts. But, he says that starts with recognizing when the problem exists, by knowing the key indicators.
Area law enforcement agencies say that a rise in property crimes and the increase of retail theft in rural areas are likely indicators of a growing heroin use problem.
The following are just some of the tell-tale signs of heroin addiction, according to Dr. Olsen;
- Sudden change in appearance / Sudden wieght loss
- Sudden change in behavior and needing opiates to feel normal
- Frequently telling lies, or breaking promises
- Frequently borrowing, or stealing money
- Frequent inability to concentrate
- Frequent oversleeping
- Sudden change in friends, and quality of friends
- Adult depression and ideation of suicide may indicate an addiction
- Forgetful
- Become Secretive
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Loss of appetite
- Cigarette filters cut in half
- Bruises on areas of the skin from needle insertion
Doctor Olsen says Getting Clean will take a lot of work for people who become addicted to heroin.
Note: Tomorrow we will take a look into area treatment options for Heroin Users