Fentanyl Problem in Ithaca

Fentanyl is a synthetic painkiller 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It’s often mixed with heroin to make it stronger and increase profits. Ithaca police have seen three fatal heroin overdoses and 13 non-fatal overdoses in three week’s time. Although they have not proven a connection with fentanyl, past trends indicate this might be the case. Even knowing that fentanyl-laced heroin is killing addicts does not prevent other heroin addicts from continuing their habitual use of the drug.

“People hear there’s a special batch of heroin going around, and it’s killing people, but in addiction, you hear that and you’re like, ‘Man, I gotta try that; it sounds better than other stuff,’ and that’s the insanity of the thing,” James said. “You know people are dying, but you want to do it anyway.”

As addicts use over time, they have to take increasing amounts of a drug to get as high as they used to. Finally, they won’t get high at all and continue to consume the drug just to prevent withdrawal sickness. Those who are addicted are drawn to stronger substances in search of a new high while non-addicted people people would be terrified by the idea. Although illogical, it is a demonstration of how damaging heroin addiction is to an individual. 

Heroin addiction quickly ravages a person’s life. If a family knows the signs of heroin use, they have a chance to prevent the worst of the damage by helping a loved one find rehab. For this reason, we offer free drug education on the signs of drug abuse for all drugs. If you care about someone who is trapped in the use of drugs or alcohol, contact us today so we may assist you in finding the best treatment center for your loved one.

Sings of Heroin Abuse:

• Pinpoint pupils
• Money problems
• Weight loss
• Nodding out at odd times, sleepiness
• Money problems
• Needle marks on arms and legs
• Runny or itchy nose