When you consider how much damage prescription opioids and synthetic painkillers have wreaked on U.S. citizens over the past couple of decades, you may begin to understand why government officials have referred to this emergency as an Opioid Crisis. Not since the outbreak of AIDS in the 70s and 80s had the U.S. suffered such a crippling blow to the health of its residents. In 20 years, hundreds of thousands have died from overdoses, while millions more have become opioid abusers and addicts. Although we have seen the brunt of the damage along New England and the Midwest, the story has changed slightly for locals along the Great Plains. Today, let’s take a closer look at Montana and see how Big Sky Country is dealing with the Opioid Crisis.
Extremely Low Rates of Opioid Problems
In comparison to other states, Montana has an extremely low rate of opioid problems, at least in terms of health emergencies and drug types. In 2016, the state documented an incidence of 4.2 opioid overdose-related fatalities per 100,000 residents (a total of 42 deaths), far below the national incidence of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 citizens. Ironically, 50% of these deaths were connected to prescription opioids, while the other half was connected to synthetics. Meanwhile, in 2015, Montana doctors wrote 722,011 opioid prescriptions, equating to an incidence of 90 drugs per 100 patients, above the national average of 70 drugs per 100 citizens.
Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Despite ranking low as an opioid epicenter, this state has still documented an unfortunately high rate of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) cases. In 2015, Montana reported an incidence of 9.0 NAS outbreaks per 1,000 live births. Keep in mind that the national incidence across 28 neighboring states has been 6.0 cases per 1,000 births.
Viral Outbreaks in Montana
Strangely, while Montana has documented a low record of HIV outbreaks, its incidences of hepatitis C are relatively high. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in the U.S. in 2015, only 19 cases occurred in Montana. However, out of the 181,871 new outbreaks of hepatitis C reported in 2015, Montana confirmed 1,354 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.
