Over the course of two decades, America has continued to suffer from the public health emergency that is the Opioid Crisis, possibly one of the worst epidemics since the HIV/AIDS outbreaks in the 1970s and 1980s. As more synthetic drugs and prescription painkillers continue to flood our streets, more and more people are dying from overdoses, suffering from addiction, or being forced to manage chronic pain that would otherwise be alleviated by opioids. Although states like West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Ohio have been cemented as capitals of the crisis, we have to remember that numerous drugs are flooding across our border with Mexico, as well. On that note, let’s take a look at how New Mexico is handling the Opioid Crisis.
In the Highest Ranks
Although New Mexico does not rank in the top 10 opioid hotspots in the United States, the state is still facing severe problems related to these dangerous painkillers. In 2016 alone, an estimated 17.5 opioid-related overdose deaths out of 100,000 residents (about 349 deaths), a few points above the U.S. national average of 13.3 fatalities per 100,000 victims. However, since 2012, heroin-related fatalities boosted from 104 to 161, while deaths from other synthetic opioids increased from 37 to 78. In 2015, doctors in New Mexico wrote 1.4 million prescriptions for opioids (about 70 drugs per 100 patients), which is 100% level with the national average.
Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
With a climb in synthetic opioid use and, specifically, heroin use in New Mexico, the state has also experienced an increase in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) cases. Overall, the rate has increased from 3.7 cases out of 1,000 births (2009) to 8.5 cases per 1,000 births (2013). Keep in mind that the average NAS rate among 28 neighboring states was 6.0 NAS incidences per 1,000 live births.
Outbreaks of HIV and Hepatitis C
Ultimately, New Mexico has experienced a rise in viral transmission due to synthetic drug use, but the numbers are not as terrible as the rates in the worst opioid epicenters. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in the U.S., New Mexico reported 135 cases. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 cases of hepatitis C reported in the U.S., 3,680 outbreaks of the disease took place in New Mexico.
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.
