Over the course of 20 years, the United States has continued to suffer from the Opioid Crisis, possibly one of the most dangerous epidemics since the HIV/AIDS outbreak in the 1970s and the 1980s. Since 2015 alone, the number of people who have suffered from opioid addiction has skyrocketed to over two million, while hundreds of thousands more have died from opioid-related overdoses. As predicted, of course, certain areas of the country have suffered from this health emergency more than others. While West Virginia and Ohio have topped the list, though, the situation in many southern states like Kentucky has also become just as dire. Let’s take a closer look at and see how the Bluegrass State is currently handling this situation.
Last in the Top 10
Listed among the top 10 states with the worst cases of opioid problems in the United States, Kentucky currently ranks in the #10 spot and has recorded a severe rise in opioid-related emergencies. In 2016 alone, the state experienced a rate of 23.6 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 people, nearly 50% more than the national average. From 2012, the rate of deaths related to heroin has also boosted from 143 to 311, while total deaths from synthetic opioids have skyrocketed from 70 to 465. In 2015, doctors in the State of Kentucky wrote 4.47 million prescriptions for opioids (about 97 drugs per 100 patients).
The Rate of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Based on reports from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the rate of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has also increased in Kentucky, with the influx of drugs. From 2000 to 2013, the number of NAS incidences skyrocketed from 0.4 outbreaks per 1,000 births to 15.0 cases per 1,000 births. Keep in mind that the average across 28 neighboring states has been 6.0 per 1,000 births.
The Dangerous Rise of HIV and Hepatitis
As more synthetic drugs start to flood into the state, more cases of HIV and hepatitis have started to take place across Kentucky. Out of the 39,513 new outbreaks of HIV documented in 2015, 75 new cases took place in Kentucky. Likewise, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis reported in 2015, 4 cases took place in Kentucky.
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 ;egally 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.
