As the Opioid Crisis continues to rage across our country, millions of people have suffered from addiction, with hundreds of thousands more dying from overdoses, but news reports have also indicated that certain parts of our country have higher rates of death and sickness. Recent statistics offered by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) have indicated that West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Kentucky serve as the three states with the highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths, but that does not mean the rest of the country is not suffering in its own way. For example, Rhode Island is currently fifth in the top ten states affected by the brunt of the opioid epidemic. Let’s take a closer look at how the Ocean State is handling the situation on the East Coast.
The Last in a Bad Lineup
Ranking #5 on the list of opioid epicenters in our country, Rhode Island suffers from some of the same severe problems as its equally narcotic-affected neighbor states. As of 2016 alone, the tiny state reported 26.7 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 people (about 279 fatalities), over two times the national average of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 residents. However, NIDA has confirmed that, between 2014 to 2016, the rate of heroin use in Rhode Island has dropped. Nevertheless, synthetic opioid-related deaths have boosted from 82 to 182 (from a previous rate of 88 to 114).
The Trouble with Prescription Opioids
Overall, the situation concerning prescription opioids has not improved, either. In 2013 alone, healthcare providers in Rhode Island wrote roughly 870,000 prescriptions for opioid painkillers (about 82.8 prescriptions per 100 patients). However, the rate of opioid prescriptions in the state has decreased by 19.1% from 2013 to 2015. Ultimately, as of 2015, Rhode Island doctors have written 732,000 prescriptions for opioids (about 69.4 per 100 patients).
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Problems
Although its rates might not be the highest in the nation, Rhode Island still boasts unfortunately risky levels of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) cases. As of 2013, the occurrence of NAS in the state rose from 2.8 incidences per 1,000 births in 2002, to 7.3 incidences per 1,000 births in 2012. In essence, the rate of NAS cases is over twice as great as before.
HIV and Hepatitis C Outbreaks
Even though Rhode Island might have some of the lowest rates of viral outbreaks on this list, the state’s subsequent problems with synthetic drugs have triggered some severe cases. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV reported in the United States in 2015, an estimated 64 took place in Rhode Island. On that note, out of the 181,871 documented cases of hepatitis C outbreaks in the country, 35.1% of the victims had contracted the virus. Statistics regarding total outbreaks have not been provided by NIDA.
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.
