Phoenix, Arizona is a lively city with beautiful deserts and busy city life. Right now, it’s dealing with a big problem: more and more people are struggling with addiction to drugs.
It’s a tough situation that many places in the country are facing. But for Phoenix, being close to the southern border makes things even harder because lots of illegal drugs come into the U.S. from there.
Drug Addiction by the Numbers
In 2021, America faced a sad record with over 100,000 people dying from drug overdoses. Arizona was hit hard too, with deaths jumping to more than 2,770 – that’s almost seven times higher than in 2014. This problem hurts families and makes places less safe. It shows we need to find better ways to help those struggling with addiction.
Fentanyl, a very strong painkiller, is causing big problems. It’s cheap to make and very powerful, which is why dealers mix it with other drugs to make more money and get people addicted. Sadly, many people don’t know they’re taking fentanyl and this has led to a huge increase in deaths from overdoses. It’s now the number one reason why adults between 18 and 45 years old are dying.
It’s shocking to hear that around 14% of people in Arizona over the age of 12 have used illegal drugs recently. This is a big deal because it’s leading to more and more sad stories about people passing away from drug use. It’s not just numbers we’re talking about; it affects real lives, causing problems like not having a home, losing jobs, and feeling down. It touches everyone in some way.
Phoenix Resources for Combating Addiction
People start using drugs for different reasons, like feeling sad or dealing with tough times. But this choice doesn’t just impact their lives. It also makes life harder for their families and can cause money problems or even make someone lose their freedom. It’s a big issue that affects lots of lives.
To help loved ones beat addiction, we need to do more than just focus on the drug problem. It’s important to also look at their emotional state and living situation, like having a safe place to live and a good job. Programs should offer counsel and support should be sought from friends, so addicts can deal with tough emotions and stressful situations better.
At the center of helping people is kindness. We understand that getting better from addiction is their path. Everyone deserves hope and help. Places like Phoenix Rescue Mission, AHCCCS, and Axiom Care’s detox in Phoenix are useful resources and programs to help stop addiction and get your life back on track.
What Does Phoenix’s Future Hold?
Our city, home to just shy of 5 million people from all walks of life, faces big challenges like not enough jobs and hard-to-get healthcare. With more people living without homes, often because of addiction problems, we must tackle these issues together.
Arizona is in a tough spot because it’s right where massive amounts of illegal drugs come in. This makes it super important for police and health workers to team up big time. They have special programs and work hard to keep the border safe, stopping those drugs from spreading everywhere.
Fighting addiction on a large scale in any major city shouldn’t be just one person’s job. From stopping it before it starts, to helping folks rehabilitate, and everything in between, society should take care of those in need.
Addressing drug addiction is about avoiding shaming people, making sure help is easy to access, and building a support system where individuals feel like they belong and can help them get back on their feet.
Tips for Addicts & Their Loved Ones
Battling addiction in sunny Phoenix takes courage and a real commitment. It’s never easy, but you’re not alone in this battle.
Here are a few tips to help you along your journey:
- Asking for help is important. You don’t have to deal with detox and rehab by yourself. There are services, groups, medical professionals, behavioral experts, and many more ready to support your effort.
- Looking after your health matters a lot. In arid cities, especially like those found in Central Arizona, drinking water and eating healthy is a crucial part of recovery.
- Finding fun, distracting new hobbies can replace former habits and give you an outlet to turn to when cravings hit.
- Mistakes aren’t a sign you’ve failed. They’re just steps to help you learn and grow. Remember, everything you are undergoing is part of your journey.
- Celebrate every small win; it pushes you closer to the end goal: a long-lived life of sobriety.
When you stick to these plans with hope and hard work, moving from tough times to better days isn’t just something you can do – it’s something you will do as you fight addiction.
About The Author:
Stacey Smith is a freelance health writer. She is passionate about writing about women’s health, dental health, diabetes, endocrinology, and nutrition and provides in-depth features on the latest health news for medical clinics and health magazines.
