Over the course of several decades, the United States has continued to suffer from the Opioid Crisis, possibly the worst public health emergency since the AIDS epidemic of the 1970s and 1980s. In the span of 20 years, over two million American adults have become addicted to these deadly drugs, while hundreds of thousands more have lost their lives after consuming these substances. Add to that a continuous influx of fentanyl. other synthetics, and piles legally regulated pills, and you will begin to realize how severe the opioid epidemic has truly become. Although we have seen how it impacts the East Coast, with hot spots like West Virginia and Ohio, what about the states to the far West? For today, let’s take a closer look at Nevada and see how the Silver State is dealing with the Opioid Crisis.
On Par with the National Average
Like other states in its situation, Nevada is currently on par with the U.S. national average of opioid-related overdose deaths: approximately 13.3 fatalities per 100,000 people. Although the death rate dropped between 2012 and 2014, fatalities began to escalate once more at the onset of 2015. Meanwhile, heroin-related fatalities boosted from 40 in 2011 to 86 in 2016, while prescription opioid-related deaths had thankfully been declining from 362 to 275 in the same time frame. In 2015, Nevada doctors prescribed 2.4 million opioid prescriptions (about 83.0 drugs per 100 patients), above the U.S. rate of 70 drugs per 100 people.
Fourfold Increase in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Despite seeing declines in opioid fatalities, Nevada has still reported a steady increase in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). From 2002 to 2013, the rate of NAS has risen from 1.1 cases per 1,000 births to 4.8 cases per 1,000 live births, nearly fourfold. Keep in mind that the average NAS incidence across 28 neighboring states is 6.0 cases per 1,000 live births.
Viral Outbreaks in Nevada
In contrast to other parts of the country, this state has reported a lower rate of viral transmission. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in 2015, Nevada reported 485 new outbreaks. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new outbreaks of hepatitis C reported in 2015, Nevada reported a minimum of 12 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.
