New Movie Reflects Story of Local Opioid Addict Who Sought Treatment at Drug Rehab Centers in Mississippi
As Mississippi’s top county in heroin-related overdoses with 20 so far this year, DeSoto County was recently used as a screening location for a movie about youth and opioid addiction.
The movie, called “Generation Found,” explores how individuals and groups in Houston, Texas are fighting the rising youth opioid addiction problem. In honor of the film’s release, a local DeSoto County resident shared his personal story about heroin addiction and overcoming dependency with help from drug rehab centers in Mississippi.
If you or someone you love is struggling with trying to overcome opioid dependence, call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380. One of our caring addiction specialists will help you find local rehab centers that can guide you or your loved one toward improved health and sobriety from opioids.
Transitioning From Opioid Painkillers to Heroin
After a near-death overdose, Tyler Smith entered rehab in Southaven, Mississippi.
After having foot surgery at the age of 14 or 15, DeSoto County native Tyler Smith was given a 30-day prescription for opioid painkillers. Smith said that in the beginning, the painkillers made him sick, but that it wasn’t long before he was increasing his doses. After forming an addiction to painkillers, Smith transitioned to heroin and Xanax — both of which he said gave him a “warm rush.”
While withdrawing from Xanax, Smith suffered eight seizures within three hours and was rushed to the hospital for immediate treatment. The next day, Smith overdosed on heroin and was revived with naloxone — a prescription medication used to reverse the effects of opioids. Smith’s near-death experience led him to seek addiction treatment at a Southaven facility where the 21-year-old is already going on more than two weeks of sobriety.
Smith says heroin addicts will constantly chase an intense euphoric high that mirrors their very first high, but which can never be achieved again. At the height of his addiction, Smith was injecting three grams of heroin per day plus 18 two-milligram tablets of Xanax. Now in recovery, Smith wants to become a counselor or rehab clinic operator so he can help other struggling addicts overcome their problems with addiction.
Overcoming Opioid Addiction in DeSoto County
Jeff Pounders, DeSoto County Coroner, says heroin-related deaths are more prevalent in the northern half of the county close to Memphis, and that the problem is mainly stemming from Shelby County in Tennessee. According to Pounders, heroin-related deaths have risen by almost 800% from 2011 to 2015.
Karen Morgan, regional director of a drug addiction treatment network, says opioid addiction among youth is highly common, and that communities need to understand and acknowledge the current opioid crisis. Morgan, a recovering addict who is 14 years clean, says many people form the impression that opioid addicts are using drugs just to have a good time. But in reality, opioid addicts are trying to avoid withdrawal and maintain a sense of normalcy on behalf of dependency.
Drug rehab centers in Mississippi offer specialized opioid addiction treatments that can help addicts avoid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Medication-assisted treatments combine counseling, therapy, and medications that help addicts overcome dependence without physical discomfort. Given the highly addictive nature of heroin and opioids, these treatments often play a vital role in helping recovering addicts achieve lifelong sobriety.
If you’re addicted to heroin or opioids and live in Mississippi, call our helpline at 888-414-2380 to find the closest rehab center that can meet your treatment needs. Our caring addiction specialists will help you find opioid drug rehab centers in Mississippi that will guide you along the path to improved health, a more promising future, and a more fulfilling life free of substance abuse.
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