When it comes to the Opioid Crisis, we can all agree that one of the deadliest additions by far is a powerful opioid called fentanyl. About 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, this deadly synthetic drug has destroyed lives and has been at the center of hundreds of thousands of fatalities across our country. Even police officers are falling victim during drug busts. Needless to say, the path of destruction carved by fentanyl doesn’t stop at the border with Canada. Overall, this nasty opioid has found its way into the beautiful State of Alaska, and the results have not been pretty. For today, let’s take a closer look at fentanyl’s path of destruction across the Last Frontier in 2018.
A 77% Increase in Opioid Problems
In keeping with the unfortunate trends of the rest of the country, Alaskans are, tragically, suffering from more and more fentanyl fatalities. In fact, from 2010 to 2017, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Section of Epidemiology documented that 623 opioid-related overdose deaths occurred in the state, marking a 77% rise in opioid fatalities overall. Even more upsetting, a large portion of opioid-related deaths in 2017 were triggered by the deadly opioid fentanyl.
The Deadly Breath of Fentanyl
In an interview, Dr. Jay Butler, chief medical officer for the Alaska Department of Health and director of the Division of Public Health, also touches on the nasty qualities of this synthetic opioid. As he explains, as deaths caused by prescription opioids and heroin continue to drop, fentanyl-related fatalities continue to rise. In response to the growing burden, Governor Bill Walker created a disaster declaration to address the severity of the Opioid Crisis, and he is hopeful this will help put a roadblock in the epidemic’s path.
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.
