When you consider how much damage opioid drugs have inflicted on our lovely nation over the past couple of decades, you might begin to understand why the government is referring to the Opioid Crisis as a public health emergency. For 20 years, hundreds of thousands of people have died as a result of overdoses, while millions more have become full-blown opioid abusers and addicts. As of now, the situation does not seem to be losing steam, but certain areas are not suffering as much as others. While West Virginia, Ohio, and other regions of the Midwest suffer the brunt of the epidemic, we also need to take note of the situation in the South. For today, let’s take a closer look at Georgia and see how the Peach State is handling the Opioid Crisis.
Points below the National Average
In contrast to opioid epicenters across the eastern half of the country, Georgia has documented a relatively low average of opioid-related problems. In 2016, the state reported an incidence of 8.8 opioid overdose-related fatalities per 100,000 residents (roughly 918 deaths in total), in contrast to the national average of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 people.
A Drop in Prescribing Opioids
Meanwhile, in 2013, Georgia doctors wrote 8.99 million opioid prescriptions, an incidence of 90.7 drugs per 100 patients, which exceeds the U.S. national average of 79.3 drugs per 100 people that same year. However, since that year, the state has experienced a 10% drop in opioid use, resulting in an incidence of 77.1 drugs per 100 people in 2015 (about 7.88 million drugs).
Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Although the situation is no less tragic, the state has thankfully reported a relatively slim increase in the rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). From 2010 to 2014, Georgia recorded a rise from 1.4 cases per 1,000 births to 3.2 cases per 1,000 births. On average today, the state documented an incident of 2.4 cases per 1000 births, far below the national incidence of 6.0.
No One’s Got the Medicaid Share
Interestingly, Georgie is one of 13 states that have some of the lowest use of buprenorphine prescriptions supported by Medicaid programs. Overall, the Peach State reported 6.5% of buprenorphine scripts, in contrast to the U.S. average of 24.2% in 2016.
Viral Outbreaks in Georgia
Despite showing promising control over opioid problems, though, Georgia is still suffering from severe outbreaks of viruses. Out of the 39,315 new cases of HIV documented in the U.S., Georgia reported 2,381 outbreaks. Out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C reported in the U.S. in 2015, Georgia reported 7,175 cases that same year.
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.
