Rehabs ready for influx of patients after drug sweep in Collier County

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NAPLES, Fla.- Rehab clinics are preparing for an influx of patients after drugs and suppliers were taken off the street in a drug sweep earlier this week.

The David Lawrence Center says it has more staff, beds and specialists in preparation.

Heroin was the main drug confiscated in the raid, 330,000 doses. Heroin can cause dangerous withdrawals. Facilities say users will feel flu like symptoms, sweats, nausea, vomiting and need special medicine to go through withdrawal safely.

As health facilities began to prepare for hundreds of new patients, they know the dangers of desperation are real.

Facilities say we may see an increase of burglaries and robberies as addicts become desperate to find their next fix; a fix that might not be available.

“By helping people address their addiction issues, we can help prevent other negative consequences of drug seeking behavior,” said Nancy Dauphinais who works with the David Lawrence Center.

The addicting high could be the reason 52-year-old Dennis Bell was arrested. Bell was arrested for burglary Thursday night. He told investigators he uses heroin. He burglarized his neighbors while they were home. People along his street say he is an addict. Bell was arrested a few blocks from the crime scene.

“Getting them in a program can diminish crime in the area,” said Dauphinais.

The David Lawrence Center says the facility has not yet seen an influx of patients but say that could happen this weekend.

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