Not since the outbreak of AIDS in the 1970s and the 1980s has the United States experienced such a dangerous health epidemic as the Opioid Crisis. Over the past 20 years, our country has suffered from an onslaught of prescription medications and synthetic drugs, forming a cocktail of destruction that has shown no mercy and no signs of slowing down. Hundreds of thousands of died from overdoses, while millions more have become full-blown opioid abusers and addicts. Mostly, states across the Eastern U.S. have suffered the brunt of this epidemic, but we also have to consider how the Great Plains states are dealing with this outbreak. For today, let’s take a closer look at Kansas and see how the Sunflower State is handling the Opioid Crisis.
Far Beneath the National Average
In contrast to other states in the region, Kansas has a relatively low rate of fatalities stemming from legal and illegal painkillers. In 2017, the state documented an incidence of 5.1 opioid overdose-related deaths per 100,000 residents (a total of 144 fatalities), far below the U.S. national incidence of 14.6 fatalities per 100,000 citizens. Among these cases, the biggest changes took place among deaths stemming from prescription opioid use, from 122 in 2014 to 89 in 2017. In the same 3-year period, the rate of synthetic-related deaths did not change.
Opioid Prescribing Rates in Kansas
Although the state has experienced a decrease in opioid prescribing rates in recent times, it still boasts a rate that is higher than the national average. In 2017, Kansas doctors wrote 69.8 opioid prescriptions per 100 patients, a 20% decrease from 88 drugs per 100 people in 2011. Keep in mind that the national incidence is 58.7 drugs per 100 people.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Outbreaks
At this time, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has not provided any data concerning outbreaks of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in Kansas. Keep in mind that the U.S. incidence has been 8.0 cases per 1,000 live births.
Low Rates of Viral Transmission
Thankfully, Kansas has reported a relatively low rate of viral outbreaks, though that doesn’t make these cases any less tragic. Out of the 39,589 new cases of HIV documented in 2016, Kansas documented 141 cases. Meanwhile, out of the 41,200 new cases of hepatitis C reported that same year, Kansas confirmed a minimal 15 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.
