Not since the AIDS outbreak of the 1970s and 1980s has the United States suffered from as great a threat to public health as the Opioid Crisis. Spanning over two decades, this epidemic has wiped out hundreds of thousands of people and has turned over two million American citizens into full-blown addicts. Synthetic drugs like fentanyl and heroin continue to flood across our borders, while legal prescription painkillers are destroying innocent lives left and right. While we have witnessed these dramatic changes across the body of our country, we tend to forget that our territory to the north is also victimized by these deadly drugs. Let’s take a closer look at Alaska and see how the Last Frontier is dealing with the Opioid Crisis.
Just below the National Average
Overall, Alaska seems to be drifting steadily beneath the national average of opioid problems. In 2016, the state reported 12.5 opioid overdose-related fatalities out of 100,000 residents, in contrast to the U.S. national incidence of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 people. Keep in mind that the rate in Alaska has been rising from 2010’s rate of 8.7 fatalities per 100,000 Alaskans, which has been triggered by a boost in heroin-related fatalities in the state (49, as of 2016).
Decline in Prescription Drugs
Meanwhile, the rate of prescription drug use in Alaska has been dropping. In 2013, doctors in the state prescribed 468,000 opioid drugs (63.5 drugs per 100 people), in contrast to 421,000 prescriptions in 2015 (57.0 drugs per 100 people). This decrease marks an 11.3% drop in prescription opioid use overall. Keep in mind that the U.S. national average is 79.3 drugs per 100 patients.
Rise in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Despite positive outcomes of prescription drug use, though, Alaska has reported an increase in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Overall, the NAS incidence in the state has risen from 0.8 NAS cases per 1,000 live births in 2001 to 5.1 cases per 1,000 births in 2012. Overall, the NAS average across 28 neighboring states was estimated to be 6.0 cases per 1,000 births.
Viral Outbreaks in Alaska
In terms of drug-related viral transmission, the state has documented a relatively even incidence. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV reported in the U.S. in 2015, Alaska documented a mere 24 outbreaks. However, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C reported in 2015, Alaska saw 1,193 cases.
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.
