Over the past two decades, the United States has been combatting a national Opioid Crisis that (in a dark and ironic twist) has partially spawned from drugs that can be essential to our health. However, with the influx of opioid prescriptions throughout the 1990s, synthetic drugs have also become an alternative to people living in many states, and not all of these substances are legal. Due to this issue, states like West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Ohio have been crippled by a string of opioid-related deaths and overdoses. However, their runner-up Maryland has also risen to become the 4th most dangerous epicenter for the Crisis. Let’s take a closer look and find out how the Old Line State is handling this problem.
In the Top Five
Based on a report issued by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Maryland is in the category of the top 5 states with the worst issues of opioid-related deaths. In fact, the death toll has steadily increased since 1999, roughly 1.5 to 3 times more frequent than the national average of opioid fatalities. In 2016 alone, nearly 30 deaths per 100,000 fatalities were related to the use of prescription opioids and synthetics (specifically heroin and fentanyl.) As of 2015, doctors in Maryland wrote 3.9 million prescriptions for opioid medications (65.6 prescriptions per 100 patients), although this rate has declined from 70 prescriptions per 100 patients in 2013.
Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Overall, the data surrounding the occurrence of neonatal abstinence syndrome in Maryland is short but specific. According to NIDA, from 2004 to 2012, the rate of NAS cases increased from 6.2 to 11.4 incidences per 1,000 births. On average, Maryland’s rate is slightly higher than the average of 6.0 cases per 1,000 live births across 28 neighboring states.
Prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis
Needless to say, an influx of synthetic opioids is accompanied by an increase of hepatitis and HIV, as indicated in the NIDA statistics. Overall, out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in the country in 2015, 1,347 cases occurred in the State of Maryland. On that note, out of 181,871 cases of hepatitis C reported in the United States, 7,573 of these incidences took place in the state.
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.