Opioid Epidemic: 1 Week, 1 Death, 6 Overdoses In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The opioid epidemic is taking a toll on all kinds of communities across the nation, and Alexandria is one of them. Alexandria Police say they've responded to six overdoses, including one death, over the last week.

This is a disturbing increase for a city already seeing increasing effects from the epidemic. City data shows 44 residents died due to opioid overdoses between 2012 and 2016, reported Alexandria Times. The number of people being treated for overdoses also increased from 2015 to 2016.

Police warn residents the heroin and other opioids people in the area are using could be deadly. The opioids could be extremely concentrated or mixed with something causing life-threatening conditions.

It's not just illegal heroin inflicting this devastation on Alexandria and other parts of Virginia. Prescription opioids used for pain relief, notably fentanyl, have also been abused.

State health officials declared a public health emergency for the opioid crisis in November 2016. Since 2014, opioid-related deaths have surpassed gunshots and car accidents as the leading cause of unnatural death in Virginia, the Daily Press reported. The state recently received a $596,000 federal grant to fight the epidemic.

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Alexandria residents looking to help someone with an addiction can call 703-746-3535 for treatment services and referrals, and 703-746-3636 for detox services which are available 24/7. The city's opioid treatment program includes intensive program to help people quit drugs and reclaim their lives. Residents outside the city can find treatment options at www.samhsa.gov and 800-662-HELP.

Anyone with information about the overdoses should call at 703.746.6277.

Image via Drug Enforcement Administration