Over the course of 20 years, our country has continued to suffer from one of the worst public health epidemics since the HIV/AIDS outbreak during the 1970s and the 1980s, and, in an ironic twist, many of the drugs triggering this problem are legal and fully regulated. During these two decades of the Opioid Crisis, over two million people have become addicted to painkillers, while hundreds of thousands more have died from opioid-related overdoses. As we have seen, multiple states including West Virginia, Ohio, and New Hampshire have suffered the brunt of this epidemic, but what about states in the South? Let’s take a closer look at the problem in Florida and see how the Sunshine State is dealing with the infamous Opioid Crisis.
A Hair above the National Average
Keep in mind that, although the state is only roughly one point above the national average, Florida is still suffering from some tragic consequences of the opioid epidemic. As of 2016, the state reported 14.4 opioid overdose-related deaths per 100,000 residents (about 2,798 fatalities), only a hair above the U.S. incidence of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 citizens.
Furthermore, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has documented how Florida experienced a tremendous increase in fatalities stemming from synthetic opioid use. In fact, from 2013 to 2016, a meager window of three years, these fatalities increased from 200 to a staggering 1,566.
In 2013, Florida doctors wrote 13.6 million opioid prescriptions (about 69.6 drugs per 100 patients), in contrast to the U.S. average of 79.3 drugs per 100 people. However, since this year, the rate of prescription opioid use has dropped by 7.3% in Florida.
Trouble with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Although NIDA could not provide details concerning the neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) rate, researchers confirmed the NAS incidence increased rose from 0.4 cases per 1,000 births in 1999 to 6.3 cases per 1,000 births in 2013, accounting for a fifteenfold increase.
Rates of HIV and Hepatitis C Transmission
Due to an influx of synthetic drugs and related use, Florida has reported a large number of viral outbreaks over the past couple of years. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV reported in 2015, Florida documented 4,849 new cases. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new outbreaks of hepatitis C in 2015, Florida confirmed 22,981 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.
