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THE IMPACT OF THE OPIOID CRISIS ON MINNESOTA

THE IMPACT OF THE OPIOID CRISIS ON MINNESOTA

When you consider how much damage the ongoing opioid epidemic has inflicted on our country, you may begin to understand why government officials have labeled it the “Opioid Crisis.” In the span of 20 years and more, millions of people have suffered from opioid use disorder, while hundreds of thousands more have died as a direct result of opioid-related overdoses. Needless to say, America does have a bit of a dilemma on its hands. Although we have seen how these nasty drugs have disrupted life in West Virginia and Ohio, we also have to consider how some of the larger Midwestern states are coping. For today, let’s take a closer look at Minnesota and see how the Land of 10,000 Lakes is handling the Opioid Crisis.

Below the U.S. National Average

Although the state is far below the U.S. national average, Minnesota is still coping with a series of severe problems. In 2016, the state reported an incidence of 7.4 opioid overdose-related deaths per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 citizens. However, this rate marks an increase from Minnesota’s previous rate of 4.4 fatalities per 100,000 residents in 2015. Meanwhile, the rate of heroin-related deaths has risen from 16 in 2009 to 149 in 2016, while synthetic opioid-related deaths have increased from 39 to 99 in the same time frame. Likewise, deaths stemming from prescription opioids have also boosted from 177 to 195, a relatively stable number, considering the situation.

Prescribing Rates for Opioids

In 2015, Minnesota doctors wrote 3.0 million opioid prescriptions, an incidence of 54.2 drugs per 100 patients. Keep in mind that the national average that same year was 70 drugs per 100 citizens.

Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

According to data collected by Minnesota Medicaid (reporting on roughly 80% of opioid-related births), the rate of NAS has risen from 5.9 cases per 1,000 births in 2009 to 10.5 cases per 1,000 births 2012, a nearly twofold rise in outbreaks. Keep in mind that the national average in 2013 across 28 neighboring states was 6.0 cases per 1,000 live births.

Viral Outbreaks in Minnesota

Although the state is handling a variety of opioid-related problems, Minnesota has fortunately confirmed a slim number of viral outbreaks. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in 2015, Minnesota reported 287 cases. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C confirmed in 2015, Minnesota documented a minimal 51 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.