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THE IMPACT OF THE OPIOID CRISIS ON OKLAHOMA

THE IMPACT OF THE OPIOID CRISIS ON OKLAHOMA

Over the course of 20 years, our beautiful country has suffered onslaught after onslaught of drug-related problems due to the burden of the Opioid Crisis. Currently regarded as one of the worst public health emergencies since the breakout of HIV/AIDS during the 1970s and 1980s, this opioid problem has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and has triggered opioid use disorder among two million people and counting. Needless to say, several portions of our country have struggled more than others, particularly West Virginia and Ohio. However, one area that seems to be devoid of the more severe issues is the Great Plains and the South. For today, let’s take a closer look at Oklahoma and see how the Sooner State is fighting the Opioid Crisis.

Several Points below Average…In a Good Way

Ultimately, in terms of opioid-related deaths, Oklahoma has reported an incidence that, thankfully, is much lower than the national average. As of 2016, the state confirmed 11.6 opioid-related overdose fatalities per 100,000 people (about 444 deaths in total), roughly two points below the U.S. incidence of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 citizens. Meanwhile, from 2012 to 2016, heroin-related fatalities have climbed from 26 to 53. Still, Oklahoma has reported a decrease in prescription opioid-related deaths since 2014 from 424 to 322. In 2015, Oklahoma doctors wrote 3.97 million opioid prescriptions, an incidence of 101.7 drugs per 100 patients, which is far above the U.S. average of 70 drugs per 100 people.

Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

At this time, rates for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in Oklahoma have not been documented by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). However, statistics from the CDC showcase an incidence of 0.6% of live births as the national average.

Rates of Viral Outbreaks in Oklahoma

Overall, the state has also reported a lower incidence of viral outbreaks, in contrast to other regions of the United States. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in the U.S. in 2015, Oklahoma confirmed 319 new outbreaks. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C confirmed in 2015, Oklahoma recorded 590 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.