Not since the AIDS outbreak in the 1970s and the 1980s has the United States experienced as severe of an outbreak as the Opioid Crisis. Over the past 20 years, millions of people have become addicted to these dangerous substances, while additional hundreds of thousands of victims have suffered from overdose-related deaths. Whether we are dealing with prescriptions or illegal synthetics, Americans are suffering from a true epidemic, one that doesn’t seem to be losing speed anytime soon. As with any public health problem, though, certain areas of our country are suffering from opioid emergencies more than others. While West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Ohio round out the top three hot spots, we must also turn our attention to lovely Connecticut, coming out near the bottom of the top 10. Let’s take a closer look and see how the Constitution State is handling this terrible dilemma.
Hitting the #9 Spot
Listed among the top 10 states with the worst opioid problems in the country, Connecticut currently ranks in the #9 spot and has recorded a severe influx of drug emergencies. Keep in mind that, from 1999 to 2012, the average opioid fatality rate in Connecticut nearly matched the U.S. national average of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 victims. However, starting in 2016, that rate increased fourfold from 5.7 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 victims to currently 24.5 deaths per 100,000 victims. From 2012 to 2016, the rate of heroin-related fatalities skyrocketed from 98 to 450 deaths (out of 100,000), with fentanyl-related deaths increasing from 15 to 500. In 2015 alone, doctors in Connecticut wrote an estimated 2.3 million opioid prescriptions (about 64 prescriptions per 100 patients).
Severe Rate of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Needless to say, with the influx of synthetic drugs in the state, the rate of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has nearly doubled in Connecticut. From 2003 to 2014, the number of NAS cases boosted from 137 to 384, a nearly 50% increase.
The Co-occurrence of HIV and Hepatitis C
Following the increase of synthetic drug use in the state, the rate of viral transmission has also increased. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in 2015, 271 outbreaks took place in Connecticut. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new outbreaks of hepatitis C in 2015, 3,291 new incidences took place in Connecticut.
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.
