Not since the AIDS outbreak of the 1970s and 1980s has the United States suffered from such a severe a dangerous epidemic as the Opioid Crisis. Perhaps the true irony of this epidemic is the simple fact that a large number of the drugs causing it are 100% legal and are handed out to patients on a daily basis. Add to that an influx of illegal variations of fentanyl and shipments of heroin, and you can understand why our country has a major problem on its hands. However, have you ever considered which parts of the country have been hit by the brunt of the Opioid Crisis? Which regions are suffering the most and require the most help? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
The Grim Reality of the Opioid Crisis
Unfortunately, the statistics for this epidemic do not shed a positive light on our country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the largest number of drug-related overdose deaths were directly linked to opioid painkillers (including prescription opioids and illegal synthetics like heroin). Overall, the number of opioid-related deaths has skyrocketed (quadrupled, in fact) since 1999. Even more disturbing, from 2000 to 2015, an estimated 500,000 people died from overdoses altogether.
Putting X’s on Their Backs
So, which regions of the United States are being crippled by the Opioid Crisis? Let’s take a closer look at counties which have been hit by the full force of this epidemic:
- McDowell County, West Virginia: 93 deaths out of 100,000 residents
- Rio Arriba County, New Mexico: 82 deaths out of 100,000 residents
- Bell County, Kentucky: 72 deaths out of 100,000 residents
- Hardin Country, Tennessee: 53 deaths out of 100,000 residents
- Carbon County, Utah: 53 deaths out of 100,000 residents
- Las Animas County, Colorado: 52 deaths out of 100,000 residents
- Lake County, California: 50 deaths out of 100,000 residents
- Brown County, Ohio: 46 deaths out of 100,000 residents
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioids are extremely potent and dangerous drugs that have a high risk for abuse and addiction and can be extremely dangerous for a person’s physical health. Although these drugs can help you alleviate severe pain after surgery, you have to remember that you can possibly form an attachment. If you have suffered from abuse or addiction in the past, we recommend you find an alternative (unless no others are provided). Always remember, though, that you can always find the path to recovery. Nothing is impossible.
If you are suffering from a severe case of opioid use disorder 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 detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from these deadly painkillers.
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 attachment to opioids and take an essential step against the Opioid Crisis.
