Over the course of 20 years, the United States has continued to suffer from the Opioid Crisis, possibly one of the most severe public health epidemics since the HIV/AIDS outbreak of the 1970s and 1980s. In only two decades, over two million people have become opioid addicts and abusers, while additional hundreds of thousands die as a direct result of consuming these drugs. Dangerous synthetics are washing through our streets, while a portion of substances, which are legally prescribed, are destroying lives. As expected, certain parts of our country are suffering more than others, with West Virginia and Ohio leading the pack as Crisis epicenters. For today, though, let’s take a closer look at Indiana and see how the Hoosier State is handling the opioid epidemic.
Lower Than the National Average
Although Indiana might be suffering from a severe bout of the Opioid Crisis, we are happy to report that the state has reported an incidence of drug fatalities that are below the national average. In 2016, Indiana recorded 12.6 opioid overdose-related fatalities per 100,000 residents, below the U.S. average of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 people. However, from 2012 to 2016, synthetic opioid-related deaths skyrocketed from 43 to 304, while heroin-related fatalities also increased from 114 to 297 in the same period. Meanwhile, in 2015, doctors in Indiana wrote 5.8 million opioid prescriptions (about 109.1 drugs per 100 patients).
Neonatal Abstinence Ratings
At this time, the ratings for Indiana have not been released by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). However, in 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a national average of 0.6 cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) per 1,000 live births in our country.
Rates of Viral Transmission
Overall, the average opioid-related problems in the state have remained steady, but Indiana has still reported frequent outbreaks of viruses related to unclean needles and drug exchanges. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in 2015, around 632 took place in Indiana. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C reported in 2015, Indiana documented 7,004 new 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.
