When you consider how long Americans have been fighting the Opioid Crisis, you will probably shake your head with frustration, and for good reason. In a matter of 20 years, our country has been crippled by an influx of prescription pills and synthetics in both legal and black markets. However, when it comes to the master of destruction in the midst of this public emergency, one of the worst players is a synthetic painkiller called fentanyl. According to a recent report, drug overdoses stemming from this painkiller are climbing sharply, which doesn’t look promising in the wake of recent success. Let’s take a closer look at how fentanyl-related overdose deaths are skyrocketing in our country.
A 12-Fold Increase in Recent Years
So how bad has the fentanyl situation become in the United States as of late? Based on a recent report featured on Health Day, health officials have confirmed that the rate of fatality stemming from this painkiller has increased by 12-fold over the past years. Merianne Spencer, a statistician for the National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has described how this rate doubled from 2013 to 2016, and recent readouts have been nothing short of shocking.
The Huge Increase in Deaths
Did you know that the Opioid Crisis is killing at least 60,000 people on a yearly basis? Now, add millions more to the total of opioid abuser and addicts in our country, and you can see why medical professionals are so worried about the fentanyl epidemic. Here is a closer look at some of the statistics concerning the 12-fold increase in fatalities stemming from this painkiller:
- 2011 to 2012: 1,600 people died from fentanyl consumption each year, with one fatality out of 100,000 directly caused by fentanyl.
- 2016: 18,000 people died, with six fentanyl-related deaths per 100,000 people.
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.
