The rise of heroin use around central New York is being seen by those who try and help addicts with drug treatment. Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare will host a free virtual tour on Wednesday. Spokesperson Ronald Wood says there’s no escaping the spike in heroin use, which he calls the most common source of drug abuse in the region.
“We have seen a large spike, especially here in Central New York. Heroin use is on the rise throughout the country but from what we’ve seen in Syracuse it’s an epidemic. More people are using that than most other substances that we see come in.”
But for people seeking rehabilitation, treatment isn’t always immediately available. Waiting lists in Syracuse have become lengthy…especially for detox, inpatient treatment or supportive living programs.
“Here at SBH we have the whole continuum of care. We like to maintain those treatment options so that someone doesn’t have a lapse in coverage. The more opportunity for that continuum of care to work fluently, the more successful people are.”
Wood adds some people accept the problem and the need for treatment, while others have the misconception that they can tackle it on their own. That's where the Recovery Works tours come in.
SBH SERVICES INCLUDE:
- Inpatient Rehabilitation
- Inpatient Detoxification
- Mental Health Clinic
- Gambling Clinic
- Supportive Living and Permanent Housing
SBH will hold its next tour of services starting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at its center, 329 North Salina Street in Syracuse. More information is on their website SBH.org.
Other Recovery Works open houses take place:
- May 21, 2014
- June 18, 2014
- July 16, 2014