The city of Chattanooga has been dealing with a drug and alcohol addiction epidemic for years. The problem continues to get worse, and the danger is getting closer to home. If you’re like most people, you might be wondering “What exactly is going on in this city?” In this blog post, we’ll get into the details about the widespread drug and alcohol addiction problems in Chattanooga and explain why so many people are struggling with drugs there.
In addition to that, you will also read about some of the common risk factors, how you can help someone in a crisis, and what you can do to prevent similar problems from occurring where you live.
What’s the Problem?
Drug abuse rates in Chattanooga have been steadily rising for years. This means that more and more people in the city are getting addicted to drugs and alcohol. The city is also experiencing an increase in overdose deaths. It’s clear that things are not going well in Chattanooga.
Right now, the most significant drug problem in Chattanooga is opioid abuse. It’s estimated that upwards of 10% of the city’s population is addicted to opioids. Since opioids are a class of drugs that includes both prescription painkillers and heroin, the opioid problem in Chattanooga is essentially the same as a heroin problem.
Drug Abuse in Chattanooga
Because the opioid problem in Chattanooga is essentially the same as a heroin problem, we’ll start by talking about heroin use in the city. Heroin use is increasing throughout the U.S., but it’s at particularly high levels in Chattanooga. If you live in Chattanooga, there’s a good chance that you know someone who is struggling with heroin addiction. In fact, you probably know several people who are. All of this talk about heroin brings up an important question. Why is there so much heroin addiction in Chattanooga?
While there are lots of theories about this, the general consensus is that the city’s drug problem is largely the result of prescription painkiller abuse. In other words, many people in Chattanooga started taking painkillers as prescribed by their doctors. However, once they became addicted to the drugs, they turned to heroin to get their fix.
The Impact of Heroin in Chattanooga
While all types of drug abuse are bad, we have to acknowledge that heroin is particularly bad. This is because the drug is extremely addictive and leads to lots of negative consequences. If you’re wondering how heroin use impacts a city, the information below will help you see the big picture.
- Physical health problems – If you think heroin is just a psychological addiction, you’re wrong. Heroin can lead to all sorts of physical health problems, including infections, collapsed veins, and organ failure.
- Social problems – Heroin also impacts social relationships. People who are addicted to heroin usually can’t hold down a job, maintain relationships, or do well in school.
- Financial problems – Heroin use is also financially destructive. If you’re addicted to heroin, you probably have a difficult time making ends meet.
- Legal problems – In addition to all the physical and financial problems that come with heroin use, the drug can also lead to legal problems, including arrest and imprisonment.
- Death – Finally, heroin addiction can lead to death. The drug has a high potential for overdose, and if you’re using dirty needles, you’re at risk of contracting a life-threatening infection like HIV or hepatitis C.
Alcohol Abuse in Chattanooga
While other drugs are definitely the biggest problem in Chattanooga, alcohol is a problem too. In fact, drinking too much alcohol is one of the most common reasons people visit the emergency room in the U.S. Alcohol is often involved in car accidents, domestic violence incidents, and child abuse cases.
In short, there are lots of reasons why a city with high alcohol abuse rates is in trouble. As with other types of drug abuse, the use of alcohol in Chattanooga is higher than the national average. This means that there are lots of alcohol-related problems in the city, including drunk driving incidents, underage drinking, and alcohol-related deaths.
Knoxville Recovery Center Can Help
The city of Chattanooga has been dealing with a drug and alcohol addiction epidemic for years. The problem continues to get worse, and the danger is getting closer to home. Fortunately, help is available for those battling addiction and/or mental health issues. Knoxville Recovery Center offers various services to those struggling in any stage of addiction or mental illness.
Services offered:
Detox – Our on-site detox clinic accommodates and supports clients as the body sheds all residual traces of addictive substances. Clients are under medical supervision during the detox process to ensure that they remain safe and comfortable.
Addiction Treatment – During our addiction treatment program, clients will engage in introductory therapies and exercises that work to prepare them for continued, more intensive treatment outside of our facility. The goal of our addiction treatment track is to stabilize clients so that they are treatment-ready.
Mental Health Treatment – Our mental health treatment program introduces behavioral therapies rooted in self-expression and holistic exercise. Art therapy, music therapy, and yoga are just a few forms of therapy we offer at the center. Our goal is to help the client reclaim their voice and expose them to treatment within a professional facility.
Aftercare Planning – Aftercare is designed for individuals who have benefitted from our introductory addiction services and are transitioning into a more intensive addiction treatment program. Once a client is stabilized, they will be encouraged to pursue continued addiction treatment. Our experienced case managers will then work with our clients to place them in a program that addresses their specific wants and needs.
If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling and needs help, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call Knoxville Recovery Center and speak with an expert today.
