RESOURCES
The following links are listed as
possible resources for information and educational purposes only.
Westmoreland County Information on COVID-19 Coronavirus:
PrEvention News, newsletter from Westmoreland Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc.
Where to get Narcan in Westmoreland County during the Stay-at-home Order
WHAT IS HEROIN?
Heroin is an opioid drug that is synthesized from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of the Asian opium poppy plant.
Heroin usually appears as a white powder or a stickly black substance known as "black tar" heroin. It is most often distributed as a poweder in small waxy paper "stamp bags."
Heroin can be injected, inhaled by snorting or sniffing, or smoked. All three routes of administration deliver the drug to the brain very rapidly, which contributes to its health risks and to its high risk for addiction. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease caused by physical changes in the brain and is characterized by uncontrollable drug-seeking no matter the consequences.
One result of continued use is tolerance, in which more of the drug is needed to achieve the same intensity of effect. Another result is dependence, or addiction, characterized by the need to continue use of the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Heroin overdoses frequently involve a suppression of breathing that can lead to brain damage, coma, and death.
Source: DrugFacts: Heroin | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Naloxone, often referred to by the brand name called Narcanâ„¢ is a drug that reverses the effects of opioid drugs, such as heroin and prescription pain pills like hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, methadone, and others.
Opioid overdose often results in a severe slowing of respiration. Naloxone is a prescription medicine that blocks the effects of opioids in the brain and reverses an overdose, restoring the respiration to normal within minutes.
In October 2015, the Pennsylvania Physican General signed a "standing order" for naloxone, making it available without a prescription to anyone wishing to purchase it. A 2014 statute had previously ensured protection from liability to "good samaritans" who either call 911 for a suspected overdose, or administer naloxone to revive a victim of overdose.
Westmoreland Drug & Alcohol Commission and the Drug Overdose Task Force offer naloxone training and distribution dates thorughout the year, and pharmacies carrying naloxone can be found online on an OverdoseFreePA.org naloxone map.
References: post-gazette.com - Overdose antidote available
GetInWestmorland.info - Homepage
WHY IS NARCAN (Naloxone), and
WHY IS IT A RESCUE DRUG ?
Drug/Alcohol Crisis Line - 7pm - 2am
1-844-897-8927​
Drug/alcohol treatment facilities
Links to Westmoreland County website
Westmoreland Drug Court
Contacts
Accessing Drug/Alcohol Treatment
County Drug & Alcohol Case Management
Mental Health Treatment Contacts
Links to County Website
GetInWestmoreland.info
Drug Overdose Task Force webpage
PAStop.org
Stop prescription drug abuse before it starts
OverdoseFreePA.pitt.edu
PA's town square for overdose prevention information
Drug/Alcohol Services Provider List
Westmorland Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc.
"This can happen to ANYONE."
No one sets out to become an addict.
Whether opioid addiction comes about because of long-term doctor-prescribed pain medication, or or due to poorly informed choices in self-medication or "recreational" use, no one intends to do this.
Because pain pills are prescription drugs, they can be perceived as being a safer option to other recreational drugs. It is a slippery slope from taking pills to resorting to heroin and other drugs.
Dependence sneaks up fast, and an addicted brain will not be denied. People who would never, ever dream of using heroin will resort to it when opioids are no longer unavailable or become too expensive.
PLEASE talk to the people you love about the issue.
INFORMATIONAL SITES
EMERGENCIES
CALL 911 in Westmoreland County