Heroin Addiction Treatment in Las Cruces

Las Cruces, New Mexico, is no stranger to the devastating effects of heroin addiction. The opioid crisis has hit the state hard, with New Mexico having one of the highest overdose death rates in the country. In 2017, there were 487 opioid-related overdose deaths in New Mexico, a rate of 25.9 deaths per 100,000 people. That same year, there were 58 deaths in Doña Ana County, where Las Cruces is located.

Heroin is one of the most commonly abused opioids in New Mexico. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, there were 145 heroin-related overdose deaths in the state in 2017, a 16.4% increase from the previous year. This trend is also reflected in Las Cruces, where heroin-related deaths have been on the rise in recent years. The city reported 17 heroin overdose deaths in 2017, a significant increase from just two deaths in 2012.

In addition to the rise in overdose deaths, there has also been an increase in the number of people seeking treatment for heroin addiction in Las Cruces and throughout the state. In 2017, the state of New Mexico reported a total of 11,377 admissions for opioid misuse treatment, a 31% increase from 2016.

In Las Cruces, there are several treatment options available for individuals struggling with heroin addiction. These include inpatient and outpatient programs, as well as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs.

One of the key resources for heroin addiction treatment in Las Cruces is the Mesilla Valley Comprehensive Treatment Center. The center offers MAT, which combines counseling and behavioral therapy with medications like methadone and buprenorphine to help individuals manage their addiction and prevent relapse. According to their website, the center has been providing treatment for opioid dependence for over 20 years and has helped thousands of individuals start on their journey of recovery.

Another treatment option in Las Cruces is the Memorial Medical Center's Outpatient Substance Abuse Program. The program offers counseling and intensive outpatient treatment for individuals struggling with addiction to heroin and other substances. They also provide dual diagnosis treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

In addition to these specific treatment programs, Las Cruces also has support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Heroin Anonymous (HA) that provide a community of support for individuals in recovery. These groups use the 12-step approach to help individuals maintain sobriety and live a healthy, drug-free life.

Despite the availability of treatment options, there are still barriers to accessing care for heroin addiction in Las Cruces and throughout New Mexico. These barriers include stigma surrounding addiction, lack of insurance coverage, and a shortage of healthcare providers trained in addiction treatment. The state has been working to address these barriers and improve access to care through initiatives such as increasing Medicaid coverage for substance abuse treatment and expanding the workforce of addiction treatment professionals.

It is also important to note that heroin addiction is often linked to other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In New Mexico, an estimated 93% of heroin users also have a co-occurring mental health disorder. This highlights the need for integrated treatment that addresses both substance abuse and mental health issues.

In conclusion, heroin addiction is a serious issue in Las Cruces and throughout New Mexico. While there are treatment options available, more needs to be done to increase access to care and improve outcomes for individuals struggling with this addiction. Addressing the underlying causes of addiction, such as mental health disorders and social determinants of health, is also crucial in addressing the opioid crisis in the state.