As America continues to fight the good fight against the Opioid Crisis, it sometimes seems like we are losing more ground than gaining. Residents of West Virginia, Ohio, and other midwestern states are struggling with some of the worst cases of opioid addiction and fatalities in the country, while some southern regions are following the pack. Add to that the fact that approximately two million Americans are addicted to these dangerous drugs, and you can see why we call this a “crisis.” For today, let’s take a closer look at the problem in New Jersey and see how the Garden State is handling the opioid epidemic.
Just Above the National Average
Although the state might not match the same tragic levels as some of the more severe opioid epicenters, New Jersey still rests a few notches above the national average. As of 2016, the state reported 16 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 people (1,409 fatalities in total), a couple of points above the U.S. average of 13 deaths per 100,000 people. From 2010 to 2016, the rate of heroin-related fatalities climbed from 97 fatalities to 850 fatalities, the highest change in the state. Synthetic drug-related deaths boosted from 35 to 689. Meanwhile, in 2015, doctors in New Jersey wrote 4.9 million prescriptions for opioids (about 55 drugs per 100 patients), just below the national average of 70 drugs per 100 people.
Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Although synthetic drug use has increased in New Jersey over the past years, the state has reported rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) that are, thankfully, below the national average of 6.0 cases per 100 births (among 28 neighboring states). However, New Jersey’s rate of NAS cases is still exceedingly high. From 1999 to 2013, the NAS incidence rate rose from 3.3 cases per 1,000 live births to 5.2 cases per 1,000 births.
Rates of HIV and Hepatitis C Outbreaks
While NAS rates are exceptionally low (in terms of the leading states), the Garden State has still reported a high rate of viral transmission due to synthetic drug use. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in 2015, New Jersey reported 1,190 new outbreaks. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C that occurred in the United States in 2015, New Jersey documented 7,928 outbreaks.
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 abuse or 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.
