Over the course of two decades, our country’s situation with opioid addiction has gotten considerably worse, and the trail of deaths left in the wake of opioid overdoses has been purely catastrophic. As of 2016, nearly 2 million people, ages 12 and over, have developed an attachment to prescription opioids, while hundreds of thousands more are dying from overdoses. Needless to say, news reports release confirmation after confirmation of fatalities in West Virginia and Ohio, two states that have become deadly epicenters for the epidemic, but we also have to remember that other states on the East Coast are suffering from this major crisis. For today, let’s take a closer look at the situation in Massachusetts.
Trailing behind the Leaders
Although it does not hold the unfortunate honor of the 1st place spot for the Opioid Crisis, Massachusetts still ranks as #6 out of the top 10 states crippled by the epidemic. As of 2016, the Bay State reported 29.7 opioid-related overdoses deaths out of 100,000 residents (a total of 1,821 fatalities), more-than-double the national average of 13.3 deaths per 100,000. Since 2012, the rate of heroin-related deaths has more than doubled from 246 to 630. Overall, synthetic opioid use, in general, has risen from 67 deaths in 2012 to a staggering 1,550 deaths in 2016. In 2015 alone, doctors in Massachusetts prescribed 59.9 drugs per 100 patients (4.07 million opioid medication), barely scratching the national average of 70 drugs per 100 people.
Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Overall, the rate of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has reached outrageous new levels in the Bay State. From 1999 to 2012, NAS cases in Massachusetts increased sixfold from 2.2 cases per 1,000 births to 12.5 per 1,000 births. Keep in mind that the average for 28 neighboring states is 6.0 NAS incidences per 1,000 live births.
The Spread of HIV and Hepatitis C in the Bay State
With an influx of synthetic opioids like heroin, you can imagine that the situation involving viral transmission is not promising. Out of the 39,513 new documented HIV outbreaks in 2015, around 600 took place in Massachusetts. Likewise, out of the 181,871 new hepatitis C outbreaks in 2015, an estimated 9,079 occurred in the state.
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 legally 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.
