Philip Seymour Hoffmans Death is a Wake Up Call

The high profile death of Philip Seymour Hoffman is creating a stir. Americans might be finally waking up to the fact that heroin use is exploding across the country. Heroin is cheap, addictive and readily available to anyone. Heroin use is effecting the old and the young alike whether they are rich or poor.

Despite the fact American Troops are in Afghanistan, Afghan heroin export has increased in 2013 to the United States.

The high profile death of Philip Seymour Hoffman is creating a stir. Americans might be finally waking up to the fact that heroin use is exploding across the country. Heroin is cheap, addictive and readily available to anyone. Heroin use is affecting the old and the young alike whether they are rich or poor.

Despite the fact American Troops are in Afghanistan, Afghan heroin export has increased in 2013 to the United States.

According to Newsday, Long Island lacks drug treatment and drug detox centers. Jeffrey Reynolds, executive director of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, spoke to the health committee of the Suffolk County Legislature about heroin use on Long Island on Feb. 6, 2014. Reynolds testified that Long Island lacks the proper treatment facilities and beds necessary for detoxing patients.

With the states cracking down on prescription painkillers, street prices on drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone have shot up, officials say. Reynolds said some of those addicted to pills seek help, but are turned away and ultimately end up on heroin, which often is cheaper and more readily available. As we know, heroin addiction took the life of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman recently.

Like many other states, New York, especially Long Island, are not properly equipped to handle the widespread disease. Facilities and local civil authorities are being overwhelmed by the amount of people needing drug treatment and drug detoxification. According to Reynolds, treatment requests have multiplied 7 times in the last five years.

New York insurance laws and Obamacare confusion are also adding to the problem. Without clear and transparent coverage many people are being denied insurance or financial assistance regarding drug abuse assistance.

Does it take the death of another brilliant actor to get people to wake up and smell the proverbial coffee?