Needless to say, over the past 20 years that it has taken root, the Opioid Crisis has never seemed to cut the United States any slack. Over these two decades, over two million people have become full-blown opioid addicts, while hundreds of thousands more have died as a direct result of opioid-related overdoses. Add to that the concern about the transmission of viral infections, and you can see why the U.S. is scared. Among the various opioid epicenters of our country, Michigan might not fall into the top ten hot spots for opioid use, but it is still coping with severe problems. Let’s take a closer look and find out how the Wolverine State is handling the Opioid Crisis.
Above the National Average
Although it just barely falls out of the top ten opioid epicenters in the U.S., Michigan still ranks in the #11 spot, based on reports from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In 2016 alone, the state recorded a rate of 18.5 opioid overdose-related fatalities out of 100,000 people, several points above the U.S. national average of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 people. NIDA also confirms that 50% of these fatalities (about 921 in 2016) were triggered by heroin. In 2015, doctors in Michigan wrote 9.5 million prescriptions (about 96.1 opioid drugs per 100 patients).
Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Unfortunately, the rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in Michigan have risen just above the national average. Overall, incidences have increased from 0.4 cases out of 1,000 births (2000) to 6.7 new incidences per 1,000 births (2013). That same year, results across 28 neighboring states produced an average of 6.0 NAS incidences per 1,000 live births.
Outbreaks of HIV and Hepatitis C
With the influx of synthetic opioids in the state, the rate of viral transmission has also increased. Out of the 39,513 new outbreaks of HIV documented in the country, 725 incidences took place in Michigan. Likewise, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C that occurred in 2015, the state documented 7,833 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.
