by Bea Peterson
The heroin and drug abuse follow-up meeting at the HAYC3 Armory in Hoosick Falls on June 7 was not nearly as well attended as the first meeting, but it was informative and helpful. About 50 people attended the session. No small number for sure. What those who came, including a contingent from the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, learned was that, in this area, groups in Bennington, VT, and Rensselaer County are working together. As panelist Dr. Trey Dobson, Chief Medical Officer for Southwestern Vermont Medical Center put it, this is not just a local problem, it’s a regional and national problem. He said in a few years we will see a move from competition to collaboration among healthcare providers.
[private]Hard To Get Help?
Two people at the meeting expressed frustration with their inability to obtain services for family members with addictions. Recovering opiate addict Tabetha Paddock said she was fortunate in that her family physician connected her with the right help immediately. She is now hosting an unofficial, uncertified weekly “Narcotics Anonymous” meeting every Monday evening, from 7 to 8 pm, in the lower level of the HAYC3 Armory. “Addiction is an illness,” she said, and she asked for understanding and support from the community.
Hoosick Falls Police Chief Robert Ashe and Assistant Chief Harold McClelland reinforced that attitude. McClelland said there is a big difference between an addicted user and a selfish dealer. Ashe added that they have worked hard to educate all the officers about the difference. “Fortunately,” said Ashe, “our Village and Town Justices, Whalen and Restino, are aware of the difference.”
All agreed there is a lack of access to the few treatment centers in the area. However, work is underway to increase the number of available resources and to make more of those resources known to individuals with or without insurance. The Turning Point Center, 465 Main Street in Bennington, offers support to those recovering from addiction and their families. They also offer information on where to get treatment help. Call 802-442-9700. The Hoosick Falls Branch of Rensselaer County’s Unified Services, 69 Church Street, also offers help in finding a treatment center. Call 686-0694. Hoosick Falls Central School Board President Greg Laurin said the school also has information on treatment facilities.
There is, however, little support for families of addicts. Mayor David Borge suggested a sanctuary be made for people who need a break, time out, a respite, from an addict. Paddock suggested family members contact Al-Anon for support. The Hoosick Falls Community Alliance Church, 484 Hill Road, has a faith based addiction recovery program. Call 686-3269 for more information.
Today’s heroin addict usually began by using alcohol or abusing pharmaceutical drugs. Heroin is cheap, readily available and instantly addictive. It’s frightening. It can be frustrating for family and friends as they watch a loved one sink deeper into addiction. An addict has to want to quit to be helped.
Recognizing An Addict
Often family members will notice changes in a loved one but not recognize these changes as heroin addiction. The Rensselaer County Department of Mental Health has a bulletin that highlights signs of how to tell if someone is using heroin. Physical symptoms may include sedation, drowsiness, poor motor coordination, fresh puncture marks or “tracks,” slow or slurred speech, facial itching and scratching, clammy skin, dry mouth, deepening of the voice, nausea, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination in the feet (gait ataxia), deep sleep, muscle spasms, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, reduced visual acuity, impairment of night vision, dizziness, reduced libido, increased urination, reduced appetite, weight loss and constipation.
Behavioral symptoms include mood changes such as euphoria, inability to concentrate, apathy, mental confusion, giddiness, fearfulness and anxiety.
There are many types of paraphernalia associated with heroin use that might indicate someone is using the drug. They include syringes, needles, spoons and cotton balls.
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