When you consider how many lives have been ruined and lost due to an influx of legal and illegal painkillers in our country, you can easily see why the government has labeled this situation as the “Opioid Crisis.” For over 20 years, this national health epidemic has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, while millions more are suffering from opioid addiction and abuse. Dangerous drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil are being shipped across pockets in our borders, while opioids are still part of our medically-centered subculture. Although we have seen areas in the Midwest and New England suffer the most, we also have to consider how the Pacific Coast is handling this situation. For today, let’s take a closer look at Oregon and see how the Beaver State is dealing with the Opioid Crisis.
Lower Than Average
In contrast to the rest of the nation, Oregon boasts relatively low rates of opioid-related problems, but that doesn’t mean this state isn’t dealing with a string of emergencies. In 2016, Oregon confirmed an incidence of 7.6 opioid overdose-related fatalities per 100,000 residents (about 312 deaths overall), multiple points below the U.S. incidence of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 citizens. Since 2013, the rate of synthetic-related overdose deaths has not changed. Meanwhile, in 2015, Oregon doctors wrote 3.1 million opioid prescriptions; an incidence of 78.1 drugs per 100 patients, slightly outpacing the national average of 70 drugs per 100 people.
Fivefold Increase in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Cases
Unfortunately, the rate of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) cases has increased by fivefold in Oregon over the past decades. From 1999 to 2013, the incidence of outbreaks rose from 1.0 cases per 1,000 births to 5.0 cases per 1,000 births. Keep in mind that the national average across 28 neighboring states has been 6.0 cases per 1,000 births.
Viral Outbreaks in Oregon
Overall, the rates of viral outbreaks in Oregon are a bit of a mixed package. Out of the 39,513 new outbreaks of HIV documented in 2015, Oregon confirmed a minimal 211 cases. However, out of the 181,871 cases of hepatitis C recorded in 2015, Oregon documented 5,427 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.
