When we take a closer look at how much the Opioid Crisis has affected our society, you may begin to realize why the government has declared it to be a “national crisis.” In fact, the opioid epidemic might be one of the most dangerous public health emergencies since the HIV/AIDS outbreak during the 1970s and the 1980s. Over the course of two decades, over two million people have become addicted to these drugs (half of which are legal, in an ironic twist), while hundreds of thousands more die every day as a direct result of consuming opioids like heroin and fentanyl. Across the U.S., states are suffering from these terrible problems; some more than others. For today, let’s take a closer look at the outbreaks in New York and see how the Empire State is handling the Opioid Crisis.
Just above the National Average
Although it does not tip the scales like West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Ohio, New York isn’t scraping the bottom of the barrel, in terms of its abundance of opioid problems, either. As of 2016, the state reported 15.1 opioid-related deaths per 100,000 people, a few points above the U.S. national average of 13.3 fatalities per 100,000 citizens. Although the rate of prescription opioid-related deaths did not change much from 2006 to 2009, the death rate quickly skyrocketed to 1,100 fatalities in 2009. Meanwhile, from 2012 to 2016, heroin-related fatalities were 50% more frequent, while deaths by synthetic opioids, in general, were ten times more prominent than before.
Needless to say, the situation did not improve among hospitals and pharmacies. From 2010 to 2014, the rate of emergency room visits triggered by opioids rose by 73%. During 11,992 of these visits in 2014, medical professionals administered the drug Naloxone, a 57% increase from 7,649 cases involving the administration of this drug in 2013.
In 2015 alone, doctors in New York State wrote 10.2 opioid prescriptions (about 51.3 drugs per 100 patients), much less than the national incidence of 71 drugs per 100 people.
Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Overall, New York reported lower rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) than other states, although its problems with this disorder continue to persist. From 2009 to 2013, the rate of NAS increased from 1.8 outbreaks per 1,000 live births to 3.6 cases per 1,000 births. Keep in mind that the national average across 28 neighboring states was 6.0 outbreaks per 1,000 births.
Rates of Viral Transmission
Overall, New York might not be leading the pack in terms of its opioid problems, but its rate of viral transmission has not improved. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV reported in 2015, New York reported 3,123 new cases. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C documented in 2015, 14,099 incidences occurred in New York State.
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.
