Once you lay the cards on the table and begin to analyze the facts, you will begin to realize that the Opioid Crisis is one of the most serious public health scares since the AIDS outbreak in the 1970s and 1980s. Hundreds of thousands of people have died from opioid-related overdoses, and, as of 2016, over 2 million people have become addicted to these deadly painkillers. As expected, in the midst of this emergency, certain “hot spots” have appeared across the U.S. Top billing members include West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Ohio, but that list is quickly rounded out by beautiful Maine, ranked in the #8 spot. So, what kind of problems is this New England state coping with?
An Increase in Synthetic Opioids
Listed among the top 10 epicenters for the opioid epidemic, Maine currently ranks as the state with the 8th most severe cases of opioid overdose-related deaths in the country. As of 2016, the state recorded 25.2 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 people (301 deaths in total), much greater than the national average of 13.3 per 100,000 people. From 2012 to 2016, heroin-related fatalities have skyrocketed from 12 to 55, a nearly fourfold increase. More dramatic changes took place among total synthetic opioid fatalities, which have boosted from 19 to a staggering 200.
Also, the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) confirmed that Maine doctors wrote 985,562 opioid prescriptions (70 drugs per 100 patients) in 2015 alone, equivalent to the national prescription rate.
An Increase in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Cases
Ultimately, the rate of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) cases has increased in Maine. From 2002 to 2013, the number of NAS cases has skyrocketed from 3.0 incidences per 1,000 births to 30.4 incidences per 1,000 births. Keep in mind that the national rate is 6.0 cases per 1,000 live births in 28 neighboring states.
Rates of HIV and Hepatitis C
Ultimately, with the increase in synthetic injectable drugs, rates of viral transmission have also increased in Maine. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in 2015, 45 of these reported incidences took place in the state. Likewise, out of the 181,871 chronic HIV outbreaks in the same year, 1,487 of these cases occurred in Maine.
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.
