Once you take a closer look at how much damage opioid prescriptions and illegal painkillers have inflicted on our beautiful country, you will begin to understand why our government has aptly named this situation “the Opioid Crisis.” For over 20 years and counting, America has suffered from the brunt of drugs, half of which are designed to treat severe pain and make people’s lives better. States like West Virginia, Ohio, and New Hampshire have led the charged as opioid epicenters, while our nation’s capital has recently earned the number two spot. However, life seems to be a little bit easier on the Great Plains (for now). For today, let’s take a closer look at Nebraska and see how the Cornhusker State is dealing with the Opioid Crisis.
Last in the Lineup
Out of all the states in our country, including D.C., Nebraska has landed in the 51st spot as the state with the lowest number of opioid-related emergencies. In 2016, Nebraska documented a miniscule incidence of 2.4 opioid overdose-related fatalities per 100,000 residents (only 44 deaths in total), an extremely far cry from the national incidence of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 citizens.
Prescribing Rates in Nebraska
Although it has incredibly low rates of opioid problems, Nebraska has still reported a higher incidence of opioid prescribing than the rest of the nation. In 2015, Nebraska doctors wrote 1.4 million opioid prescriptions, about 72.8 drugs per 100 patients. Overall, this was similar to the national average that same year, which was around 70 drugs per 100 citizens.
Eightfold Increase of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Despite positive outlooks for drug activity, Nebraska has still reported a staggering eightfold increase in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) cases. From 2001 to 2013, the incidence of NAS cases rose from 0.2 outbreaks per 1,000 births to 1.6 outbreaks per 1,000 births. Keep in mind that the national average that same year was 6.0 cases per 1,000 live births.
Viral Outbreaks in the Cornhusker State
Fortunately, the low rates of opioid problems have simultaneously occurred alongside low reports of viral outbreaks throughout the state. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in the U.S. in 2015, Nebraska confirmed a minimal 81 cases. Likewise, out of the 181,871 new outbreaks of hepatitis C confirmed in 2015, Nebraska only reported 8 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.
