Over the course of 20 years, Americans have been fighting on of the worst epidemics since the outbreak of HIV and AIDS in the 1970s and 1980s. Perhaps the true irony of this entire situation is that part of this emergency has been caused by a group of drugs that are 100% legal and are fully approved by the government. Needless to say, the opioid epidemic is a confusing and tragic situation. Just ask more than 2 million people who have suffered from opioid addiction as of 2015. As with any other health crisis, though, certain patterns have started to emerge. While certain states like West Virginia and Ohio have become opioid epicenters, others like Delaware have handled tamer versions of this epidemic. Let’s take a closer look and see how our nation’s First State is handling the Opioid Crisis.
Small but Tragic
On the surface, Delaware does not seem to be suffering from as severe a crisis as the rest of the U.S., but keep in mind that the nation’s tiny state does not offer a large population. As of 2016 alone, the state reported 16.9 opioid overdose-related deaths per 100,000 people (154 deaths in total), several points above the national average of 13.3 opioid related deaths per 100,000 residents. In 2015, doctors in Delaware wrote 80 opioid prescriptions per 100 patients (approximately 768,974 drugs), slightly close to the national average of 71 opioid prescriptions per 100 people.
A Rise in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Over the past couple of years, the rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) have steadily been rising in this little state. From 2010 to 2013, hospital discharge data confirmed 15.6 NAS cases per 1,000 live births (about 639 new cases). Overall, these outbreaks increased from 11.9 cases per 1,000 births (2010) to 18.5 cases per 1,000 births (2013). Also, the 2012-2013 NAS rates for the State of Delaware were 3 times higher than the rate than the U.S. national average in 2012 (5.8 cases per 1,000 people).
Outbreaks of HIV and Hepatitis C
With an influx of drugs in the state, officials have also reported an increase in viral transmission. Out of the 39,513 new outbreaks of HIV recorded in 2015, 109 cases occurred in Delaware. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C that broke out in 2015, 31 occurred in Delaware.
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 100% legal and 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.
