Orange County’s high arrest rate attributed to opioid epidemic

The opioid epidemic in New York and across the U.S. has led to a spike in crime and arrest rates.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Prescription opioid drugs are designed to help combat severe and chronic pain that people may experience from a wide-range of medical conditions. These drugs, including oxycodone, methadone and hydrocodone, are classified as controlled narcotics, as they have a high potential of addiction and abuse. Although people may start taking them for legitimate reasons, like while they are recovering from a major surgical procedure, it is easy to become dependent on them and then hard to stop taking them.

The facts

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 12.5 million people across the country misused prescription opioids in 2015. Approximately 33,091 people lost their lives in overdose accidents. In fact, 91 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. In Orange County alone, the death rate from fatal drug overdoses reported 76 in 2014, which is the highest rate of the 21 New York counties.

Addiction

When people are addicted to a substance, whether it is illegal or legally obtained by a prescription, it often begins to control their lives. As the drug metabolizes and wears off in the body, the addict begins to crave the next dose. This urgent need for more drug often leads people to commit crimes or engage in acts that they normally would not participate in. For instance, a person with an oxycodone addiction may begin to forge prescriptions in an effort to get what he or she needs.

The epidemic

A spike in arrest rates in Orange County are attributed in portion to the opioid epidemic. This rise in crime and arrests do not even begin to touch on the severity of the problem, as many drug distributors and users still slip under the radar. Programs, such as Connect 2 Disconnect focus on teaching parents how to connect with their children in an attempt to break the use of opioid drugs and heroin.

Legal counseling may help

People who are involved in a crime involving drugs, such as opioid narcotics may wish to speak to an attorney regarding their legal options. A lawyer in New York may be helpful in answering your questions and listening to the details of your case.