When you lay the cards on the table and assess the long-term damage that has been inflicted on our country, you may fully understand why the U.S. Government has labeled the Opioid Crisis as a full-blown public health emergency. In the span of 20 years, hundreds of thousands of people have died as a direct result of opioid overdoses, while millions more have suffered from some severe degree of opioid use disorder. Add to that an influx of illegal painkillers and the spread of infectious diseases, and you can see why the public is a bit concerned. Although we have witnessed key areas like West Virginia and Ohio receive crippling blows from this epidemic, we also have to consider how the Midwest is meeting the odds. For today, let’s take a closer look at North Dakota and see how the Roughrider State is handling the Opioid Crisis.
Less Than Average, Concerning Shift
Ultimately, the situation in North Dakota is a bit confusing, especially when you consider how the state appears to be doing at this time. In 2015, North Dakota reported an incidence of 7.6 opioid overdose-related fatalities out of 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 people. However, keep in mind that its average rose from 4.5 deaths per 100,000 since 2014, which is a bit disheartening.
Fortunately, readouts for heroin and related synthetic opioid-related fatalities have been too minimal to reach national charts, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed 12 and 15 deaths in 2016, respectively.
In regards to prescription rates, in 2015, North Dakota doctors wrote 466,000 prescriptions; an incidence of 60 drugs per 100 patients, 10 points below the national average of 70 drugs per 100 citizens.
Questionable Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
In regards to the state, the North Dakota Department of Human Services has put out an estimate of 120 babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in 2013. No incidences were provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for comparison. Keep in mind that the U.S. national average of NAS outbreaks across 28 states has been 6.0 cases per 1,000 births.
Viral Outbreaks in North Dakota
Ultimately, the situation surrounding viral outbreaks in the Roughrider State has been a bit tricky. Out of the 39,513 new outbreaks of HIV documented in 2015, North Dakota only confirmed 22 new cases that same year. On the flipside, though, out of the 181,871 new hepatitis C cases documented in 2015, North Dakota confirmed 1,063 new 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 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.
