Illegal drug use obviously comes with many problems.

From life-threatening health concerns to personal problems related to substance abuse, many of these issues will only get worse without formal drug or alcohol addiction treatment to stop.  While some addicts may let their dependency trick them into believing the benefits outweigh the costs, they may not be expecting to land themselves a spot in the hospital from a fatal muscle infection.

Black Tar Heroin Leads to Flesh-Eating Bacteria Deaths

After multiple people were brought to hospitals in the San Diego area for severe swelling and pain, doctors discovered cases of a flesh-eating bacteria associated with black tar heroin. Between the beginning of October and the end of November, nine people were admitted for this flesh-eating bacteria myonecrosis. Their symptoms include blisters, swelling, and discharge at the injection sites as well as excessive sweating, rapid heart rate, and fever. This soft-tissue infection can destroy and deteriorate muscles. Unfortunately, for most of these patients, it was too late, and they died from the bacteria. Only after further investigation was it discovered that the flesh-eating bacteria was linked with black tar heroin injections for all of these patients. Health officials are concerned about more cases occurring as the source of the dangerous black tar heroin has yet to be discovered.

The Dangers of Black Tar Heroin

Besides the many health problems that can come with abusing heroin in general, there are many other added dangers. Black tar heroin and other forms of heroin can often be laced with other drugs or substances. These combinations become especially problematic when other illicit drugs are present in fatal doses or the chemical reactions from these drugs lead to more serious health effects. Sometimes even poisons can make their way into black tar heroin. Because black tar heroin is often made in Mexico and then illegally distributed in the United States, it can be impossible to know what is in the drug and in what doses. Manufacturers are all different and even batches from the same place can vary drastically. This lack of regulation can lead to accidental overdoses or ingestion of harmful chemicals.

Other problems with black tar heroin involve the needles that are often used to inject the drug in liquid form. Unfortunately, these needles may not be properly sterilized and when needle sharing occurs, problems like HIV are more likely. Sometimes people may simply have negative reactions to injections and problems like flesh-eating bacteria can arise. Before you or someone you love gets caught up with these problems, our Chicago heroin addiction treatment programs could help you or your loved one stop before it is too late.

Stop putting your life at risk to get high or watching your loved one put themselves in danger from drug use. You do not have to live your life like this. Our Chicago addiction treatment center helps people overcome their substance abuse problems be it anything from heroin or alcohol so that they can live healthier and safer lives.

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To learn more about our programs at Banyan Chicago, call us today at 888-280-4763.