Once you take a closer look at the facts, you might be shocked by how much damage opioids have inflicted over the course of a few decades. In fact, the aptly-named Opioid Crisis has not only stemmed from illegal synthetic drugs but has also been triggered by drugs that, ironically, are legally regulated by the government. In the span of 20 decades, hundreds of thousands of people have died after consuming these painkillers, while millions more are suffering from opioid use disorder. Although we have seen plenty of damage in the Midwest and across New England, we also have to consider how the Deep South is handling this deadly situation. For today, let’s take a closer look at Arkansas and see how the Natural State is coping with the Opioid Crisis.
Trailing behind the National Average…Thankfully
Although the state is trailing behind the national rate, Arkansas is still handling a string of terrible opioid-related problems. In 2017, the state reported an incidence of 6.5 opioid overdose-related fatalities per 100,000 residents, in contrast to the national rate of 14.6 fatalities per 100,000 citizens. Although deaths from prescription opioids have fallen over the past few years, synthetic-related deaths are still on the rise. In the past couple of years, Arkansas documented 125 deaths from prescriptions, 68 from general synthetics, and 15 from heroin.
Prescribing Rates in Arkansas
Although the rate of prescribing opioids has fallen over the past years, Arkansas has still documented a relatively high quantity of opioid drugs among its residents. In 2017, Arkansas doctors wrote 105.4 opioid prescriptions per 100 patients, more than overshadowing the national incidence of 58.7 drugs per 100 people. Since 2012, the death rate from prescription opioids has been teetering back and forth.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in Arkansas
From 2000 to 2014, hospitals in Arkansas documented a tenfold increase in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) cases, marking a rise from 0.3 cases per 1,000 births to 3.2 cases per 1,000 births. Keep in mind that the U.S. national average across 28 neighboring states constituted a fivefold increase from 1.5 NAS cases per 1,000 births to 8.0 cases per 1,000 births.
Low Rates of Viral Outbreaks
Despite rising problems associated with opioids, Arkansas has thankfully reported a relatively low rate of viral outbreaks. Out of the 39,589 new cases of HIV documented in the U.S. in 2016, Arkansas documented 314 cases. Meanwhile, out of the 41,200 cases of hepatitis C reported in 2016, Arkansas did not confirm any outbreaks of any sort.
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.
