Asana Recovery

SOME FRIGHTENING FACTS ABOUT THE AMERICAN OPIOID CRISIS

SOME FRIGHTENING FACTS ABOUT THE AMERICAN OPIOID CRISIS

America’s opioid epidemic is not only a public health crisis but is also one of the deadliest cases in the entire wealthy sector of the world. In fact, statistics show that the Opioid Crisis claims as many lives as car crashes on a yearly basis. What makes the situation even more disturbing is the simple fact that a large number of these deadly drugs are federally approved and 100% legal. Over the past 20 years, large waves of Americans have suffered from addiction or dependency to illegal drugs (like heroin and fentanyl) and prescription painkillers or have died from opioid-related overdoses. As much as our government is trying to remedy the problem, however, more drugs seem to be flowing into our country, waiting to latch onto new victims. Here are some frightening facts about the American Opioid Crisis.

Numbers Speak Louder Than Words

Keep in mind that most of the drugs that are triggering the crisis are usually safe, if used under the supervision of a doctor. However, due to the fact that these drugs can warp pain and pleasure sensations in the brain, people can easily develop an addiction or dependency (very quickly, in fact). Overall, the more opioids you take, the more frequently you need them.

Since the early 2000s, the number of opioid-related fatalities has skyrocketed (and has virtually quadrupled since 1999), and the public health epidemic does not seem to be losing momentum anytime soon. As of 2013, the crisis has cost our country $78.5 billion, and .91 American citizens are killed by opioids every single day. If we do not clean up our act soon, as researchers have warned, over half of a million Americans will die in the next 10 years.

Who Is Using These Drugs?

Overall, opioid use disorder (OUD) can take on different forms, depending on the person using the drugs. For some people, dependency is enough to qualify them for OUD, while other men and women will suffer from physical pain and a damaged lifestyle. Without medical help, patients will suffer from opioid dependency and (in the worst-case scenario) die.

Sadly, this event happens too frequently. In the United States, drug overdoses are the primary causes of death among people under 50 years, while 6 out of 10 drug overdoses are directly to opioid use. At this time, the areas that are feeling the brunt of this epidemic are located in the Midwest, Appalachia, and New England (although all portions of the U.S. are affected). Sadly, in 2016, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that 2.5 million U.S. citizens (ages 18 to 25) abused opioids in 2017, one of the highest rates on record.

Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder  

Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.

The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.