At this time, the United States has been partially crippled by the Opioid Crisis, possibly one of the worst public health epidemics since the HIV/AIDS outbreak in the 1970s and the 1980s. In an ironic twist, many of the medications that help people find relief from debilitating pain or to recover from surgery are triggering some life-threatening forms of addictions. However, one of the deadliest opioids on the market today has blurred the lines between legal and illegal drug markets: fentanyl. Although this potent drug is used for surgical purposes, the opioid is frequently cut into street drugs like heroin and has been responsible for some painful drug overdoses. However, in a strange twist, did you know that the worst of the crisis has not yet reached California? Let’s take a closer look and find out why.
A State of Chaos
When you lay the cards on the table and look at the facts, you may begin to realize that the Opioid Crisis has followed a bizarre, collective pattern. Some of the most severe cases of opioid-related overdoses and deaths have been taking place in the Midwest, particularly in states like Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. Mostly, we hear about this region in the news, but have you noticed that California doesn’t seem to be feeling the full brunt of the crisis? So, why is our state seemingly immune to some of the problems faced by Midwesterners?
A Different Form
According to a recent report from the Washington Post, the fentanyl epidemic (a side branch of the Opioid Crisis) has not trickled into California yet. Why is this the case? Researchers speculate that drug dealers do not disguise fentanyl like heroin, as seen in cases along the Midwest and East Coast. As a result, addicts will be aware of what drugs they are consuming and will take extra precautions (besides the obvious issues at hand, of course)
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Opioids are extremely potent and dangerous drugs that have a high risk for abuse and addiction and can be particularly dangerous for both adults and teens alike. These substances can trigger severe dependency and a string of unpleasant health problems (including residual pain) as well. Although these drugs can easily help people cope with severe pain, opioids like fentanyl are still dangerous and have been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. If you have a history of substance abuse or addiction, we recommend you find an alternative to opioids. In the even that you are suffering from opioid use disorder, though, understand that you can always find the help you need.
Are you suffering from a severe case of opioid addiction? Do you have a friend or a family member who is coping with one of these issues, as well? On both accounts, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of 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 combating the Opioid Crisis.
