Withdrawal’s During a Storm
I read an article today on what happens to drug users during a storm like Hurricane Harvey. This article described how serious drug addiction can be and emphasized the reality of the kind of life drug addicts have.
While some prepare for a storm or hurricane with things like extra food and water, addicts struggle to make sure they have enough of their fix to hold them over before it hits. It can be hard sometimes to get a fix on a normal sunny day, but in a storm, it can be nearly impossible.
Avoiding withdrawals is the top priority and those who can’t get what they need before the storm will put themselves in danger to go out during a storm to find drugs. The sad reality of the life of a user, it is no longer a choice, but a compulsion. Not only is finding the drugs a challenge during a storm, IV users may have difficulty keeping their syringes clean and finding clean water to prepare their shots, putting their lives in even more danger by injecting bacteria with the drug.
Not only do natural disasters affect existing drug users, they can also create them. The depression and anxiety which comes along with a storm that could take your home and possibly your life away can be overwhelming and some people may turn to drug or alcohol use to cope. This can be the start of an addiction for some.
The article, however, does not mention the fact that our society is so drug ridden, it can be even more dangerous for others during a crisis because addicts will do anything to get what they need. Crime rates can go up substantially because addicts think only of themselves and getting what they need or want. I think being aware of the drug problem in society and staying mindful of the dangers that come with this is important.
Obviously, seeking treatment is one of the things we can do to help stop the increase of these dangers. What else might be done to prevent this issue?
From a recent Narconon New Life Retreat Rehab Program graduate:
“The year was 2012, during Hurricane Isaac and I was living outside of New Orleans, selling marijuana to feed my heroin and Xanax addiction. There was no one in town who had any weed and no one could find any, so I decided to be the guy that had it.
“After I ended up selling out of everything, I started to look for more weed and the only place I could find it was on the other side of the city. There was a mandatory curfew for the whole city, but I didn’t care. I drove in my car alone to the other side of the city during the storm force winds and vividly remember one time when the wind slid my car into the other lane. Luckily though, I was literally the only person on the interstate. I made it to the other side of the city and bought the weed. Then I made my way back. I remember seeing another car that got pushed into the wall and was flipped on its side and I remember thinking, that could’ve been me. I was doing things to support my habit that I normally wouldn’t do and put myself in danger.”
This is just one example of the dangers people put themselves in to get what they need. Luckily, he has since become sober and no longer must worry about putting himself or others around him in danger for drugs. If you or someone you know is addicted to drugs, call us today to learn how you could change someone’s life forever.
Read the article here:
