Although America has been fighting the onslaught of the Opioid Crisis for over two decades now, dangerous synthetic painkillers and prescription medications have continued to trigger thousands of overdoses and even larger rates of addiction (ranking up to 2 million as of 2016). However, reports issued by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and additional data have confirmed that certain parts of our country are suffering more severe outbreaks of opioid-related overdoses, deaths, and infections. Topping off the pack are West Virginia and New Hampshire, with Ohio bringing up the trail, but (in an ironic twist) one area that has also suffered the brunt of the epidemic is the heart of our nation: Washington D.C. Let’s take a closer look and see how our country’s capital has handling this deadly situation.
In the Top 5
Based on the report from NIDA, Washington D.C. currently ranks as the region with the 5th highest rate of opioid-related emergencies. In 2016 alone, the capital recorded 209 opioid-related overdose deaths out of 100,000 incidences (209 deaths in total), which is remarkably higher than the national average of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 cases. Since 2013, officials have reported a string of deaths related to synthetic opioids, which have increased from 13 to 129 fatalities. As of 2010, heroin-related deaths boosted from 16 to 67, while prescription opioid-related fatalities boosted from 13 to 66. Also, in 2015, doctors in Washington D.C. wrote 463,000 opioid prescriptions (roughly 70.0 drugs per 100 patients).
Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in D.C.
Needless to say, the rate of incidence for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in the capital has not shed any hopeful light. In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the national average for NAS cases across 28 neighboring states was 0.6% of live births. At this time, data for the rate of NAS in the capital has not been released.
The Occurrence of HIV and Hepatitis C
With the influx of synthetic opioids, viral transmission has also been on the rise. Out of the 39,513 new HIV cases documented in 2015, about 383 incidences took place in the capital. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new outbreaks of the hepatitis C virus recorded in 2015, about 9,232 new cases took place in D.C. between 2011 and 2015.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder is easily one of the most terrifying substance use disorders on the planet, mostly because opioid addiction partially stems from a large number of drugs that are 100% legal and regulated by the federal government. For decades, our country has suffered beneath the weight of dangerous synthetics and legal painkillers, and millions of Americans have suffered from addiction throughout the 20 years the crisis has been brewing. However, you can make the right decision by taking a stand against your addiction and regaining your health and happiness.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of opioid withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
