Combating Heroin Addiction in the Empire State: Fusion Recovery’s Partnership with Medicaid for Effective Treatment

Win against heroin dependency in the Empire State and understand the role of Fusion Recovery and Medicaid in this fight. This piece hopes to help readers understand the reasons for heroin addiction and its harmful effects on individuals and communities, along with discussing services like counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and rehabilitation to help people move past this vicious cycle.

What causes heroin dependency?

Heroin is an opiate that leads to a rush of euphoric feelings upon consumption. It is highly addictive, as a person’s body quickly adapts to it and eventually depends on its consumption to function normally.

Several other factors have also contributed to heroin dependency in the empire state. Risk factors such as mental illnesses, low level of income, and exposure to peer pressure contribute to dependence on heroin.

A correlation also exists between opioids being prescribed by hospitals and heroin use, as both provide a similar effect on a person’s body. It is fairly common for people to misuse their prescriptions to consume more opioids, and they ultimately turn towards heroin to fulfill their needs.

Effects of Heroin Use

Heroin use leads to a number of harmful effects on the body which include, but are not limited to, heart and skin infections, liver and lung diseases, the collapse of veins, and mental disorders. Repeated usage of heroin also leads to irreversible damage to the brain due to long-term imbalances in the hormonal and neural system.

The most serious consequence of any substance abuse is death due to the possibility of overdose, i.e., when heroin enters the bloodstream in excess. Nationwide 9,000 deaths took place in 2021 due to heroin overdoses. Heroin abuse has had a devastating social impact on New York, causing immense pain for individuals, families, and communities.

Its social consequences are widespread, with broken relationships, fractured families, and increasing crime rates. It can impact the social fabric of neighborhoods, creating an atmosphere of instability and insecurity.

Addicts can become isolated, placing obtaining and using heroin ahead of meaningful connections, taking a toll on the individual and their loved ones.

Withdrawal Symptoms

For those quitting heroin after having been dependent on it, withdrawal symptoms may be experienced. These symptoms occur when the body and brain need time to adapt to not having heroin in the system.

Withdrawal symptoms can range from person to person, but some of the most common include feeling unwell, aching muscles, feelings of restlessness or anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and powerful cravings for heroin. Additionally, stomach issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur.

It is critical to remember that withdrawal symptoms are temporary and, with the assistance of professionals, can be managed. With medications and other support, Fusion Recovery can make the quitting process much smoother and safer.

Heroin Dependency in the Empire State

The state of New York currently faces an extreme opioid crisis which developed in several stages, and lead has led to an all-time high level of heroin-related deaths.

Initially, during the 1990s, doctors and pharmaceutical companies over prescribed opioid painkillers in order to maximize their profits. This led to a large-scale dependence on opioids amongst the people. As a result, illegal distribution networks were established to sell opioids through fraudulent prescriptions.

Consequently, the sales and production of heroin dramatically increased to fulfill the demand for opioids. The Empire state became the major hub for heroin trafficking to such an extent that the industry was valued to be around a billion dollars in 2010.

In recent times fentanyl, a cheaper synthetic opioid has been prevalent in the Empire state and tripled the death toll due to overdoses. Both fentanyl and heroin provide similar short-term effects upon the person, but the extent of impact due to fentanyl is far greater. As studies have shown that the majority of the people unintentionally mistake fentanyl for heroin, the likelihood of overdose is more.

The COVID-19 pandemic overshadowed and led to the worsening of the opioid epidemic. Currently, death due to a fatal overdose takes place every three hours in New York City.

Fusion Recovery: Combatting the Crisis

Fusion Recovery strives for an effective solution to this current crisis that is killing many. They provide addiction treatment programs that are unique and evidence-based, allowing for the speedy recovery of individuals. Some of the services offered include counseling services, medication-assisted treatment, and outpatient rehabilitation. These services are known to work for patients, especially when experts are playing their role.

Counseling Services

Fusion Recovery’s board-certified doctors provide essential support to individuals suffering from heroin dependency through counseling. One-on-one sessions are available alongside group therapy led by licensed therapists who specialize in rehabilitation.

Counseling helps individuals identify reasons contributing to their heroin usage and address any mental health issues present. A safe space and environment is created for the patients to express their emotions and achieve a certain level of self-awareness in order to prevent relapses. Counseling allows us to tackle the psychological effects of heroin usage and is essential for a healthier and sober life.

Medication Assisted Plans

For swift recovery of patients, two types of medication are provided, which are suboxone and naltrexone. Suboxone is a medication commonly used for dependency on opioids which includes heroin helping patients as it reduces withdrawal symptoms being experienced. The medication allows for easy recovery without extreme cravings, nausea or vomiting.

Dependency is possible for suboxone unless it is consumed strictly at the medical professional’s discretion. Suboxone provides similar effects as heroin but at a much weaker rate. Hence, solely suboxone won’t cure heroin usage; it has to be taken alongside counseling therapy.

On the other hand, Naltrexone, also known as Vivitrol, is another medication that can discourage heroin usage. It works by blocking the effects of heroin on the brain and reducing the desire to use heroin. Naltrexone also prevents the favorable effects of heroin if it is used.

One week of the detox period is mandatory before naltrexone is administered, as there is a possibility that the withdrawal symptoms of heroin increase instead of diminishing.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Program

Outpatient rehab offers a structured support system while allowing individuals a certain level of freedom. Two types of outpatient rehab plans are available, which are Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program.

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) requires a full-time level of commitment as attendance is required five days a week. Each session lasts 5-6 hours and includes regular checkups from doctors or psychologists, and therapy sessions take place either individually or in a group.

Partial hospitalization program allows for a great emphasis on rehabilitating addicts and allowing them to function normally in society. Intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a step down from partial hospitalization as it requires three hours of the patient’s time for five days each week. This leads to more time for the patient to adapt to the outside world while still having a support system in place.

Outpatient rehabilitation is suitable for people with heroin dependency as it allows addicts to connect with other people who are going through similar struggles and receive guidance from medical professionals.

Relapse Prevention Strategies

When attempting to abstain from heroin use, it is essential to have successful methods of prevention. These approaches are like tools that assist individuals in remaining strong and prevent them from reverting to heroin use. Rehab plans teach these essential tools by helping people understand what factors might provoke a craving for heroin.

Medical services can also teach patients constructive methods to deal with pressure, apprehension, and feeling down. They motivate them to find people who can be supportive and comprehend their situation.

Additionally, they teach patients how to solve issues and make sound decisions when facing difficulties. Developing beneficial habits such as exercising, eating properly, and getting adequate sleep is likewise critical.

Attending counseling and therapy on a regular basis is also essential. This helps patients address any lingering problems, learn more about themselves, and continue to fight for sobriety. By mastering these ways to prevent relapsing into heroin use, people gain the ability to direct their own recovery and establish a robust foundation for a healthier lifestyle.

Barriers to Treatment

When it comes to seeking assistance for drug addiction, financial concerns can be a major obstacle. Many individuals dealing with heroin dependency often struggle to pay for professional rehabilitation services, as the associated expenses, including medical consultations, therapy sessions, and medications, can be too much to bear without the proper financial resources or health insurance coverage.

These economic difficulties can make it hard for individuals to get the help they need and stand in the way of a successful recovery. Fortunately, there are ways to address the issue, such as utilizing Medicaid for those who qualify, which can help to reduce the costs of treating heroin dependency.

Role of Medicaid

Medicaid is an invaluable asset when it comes to fighting the increasing heroin crisis, providing those who would otherwise lack the means or access to necessary services with essential healthcare coverage.

Funded by the government, this vital program offers those who are dependent on heroin a life-saving lifeline, enabling them to take advantage of detoxification, medication-assisted plans, counseling, therapy, and aftercare support.

With Medicaid, financial barriers are removed, giving those struggling with heroin dependency a much-needed chance to find the help they need to break free.

Additionally, Medicaid implements a wide variety of prevention and education measures, helping reduce the stigma surrounding dependency and raise awareness of the issue.

Are you eligible for Medicaid coverage?

If you’re a New Yorker struggling with heroin dependency, determining your eligibility for Medicaid coverage is an essential step. To see if you qualify, consider the following factors: income, household size, and other relevant details.

In New York, Medicaid coverage has been expanded, meaning that higher income limits are permitted. To apply, fill out a Medicaid application provided by New York’s Medicaid office and submit the required documents, like proof of income and identification.

New York’s Medicaid office and local community organizations can assist you with navigating the eligibility process. Plus, keep up with the most current information from the New York Medicaid office website for all the updates regarding financial coverage.

Future of Heroin Addiction in the Empire State

The heroin and opioid crisis in the Empire State is becoming more dire with every passing day, but Fusion Recovery is on the front lines, combating the problem with a proactive approach. Combining counseling, medication, and outpatient rehab plans, their comprehensive plan offers individuals the tools they need to break the cycle of dependency.

Counselors provide a safe and supportive environment to explore the underlying causes of dependency and develop coping skills, while medications like Suboxone and Naltrexone help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Furthermore, through Medicaid, those with limited financial resources are given access to Fusion Recovery’s invaluable services, allowing individuals from all walks of life to receive the help they need.

With Fusion Recovery and Medicaid working together to break down barriers and provide support, there is hope for a brighter future where those struggling with dependency can reclaim their lives and build a foundation for lasting recovery.