As American continues to fight through a dumpster fire of opioid problems on our home turf, you can probably find a little bit of resolve in the fact that we aren’t alone in this plight. Around the world, people from different countries are suffering from an influx of legal and illegal opioids and, in many cases, are on the brink of suffering from epidemics like ours; just ask residents of Australia. So how does the situation with opioids fare in other countries? Let’s compare situations in our country with those in Japan, one of our close connections.
Not Too Many Opioids Here
As part of a study conducted by the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (JABFM) in 2017, a team of researchers concluded that the Japanese prescribe far fewer opioids than doctors in the United States. Ultimately, this test was determined by assessments distributed to the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Japan Primary Care Association. In the end, the low rates in Japan were connected to cases of acute pain, more so than any other injuries in the country.
United States Wins
According to the report, opioid use in the United States has skyrocketed from 1999 to 2010, nearly quadrupling in rates of consumption. Researchers have estimated that one person dies from opioid-related overdoses every 36 minutes. Doctors have speculated that this fatality rate may be due to an overabundant supply of opioids, the doctor shopping phenomenon, and comorbid health problems in our country.
Based on point-prevalent estimates around the world, most countries have reported a chronic pain rate of 2% to 55%. For the U.S., doctors have reported a rate of 30.7% from 2008 to 2009. Meanwhile, in Japan, residents confirmed a widespread rate of 39.3%.
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.
