Over the course of 20 years, the United States has continued to suffer from the brunt of the Opioid Crisis, possibly one of the most terrible threats to public health since the HIV/AIDS outbreak of the 1970s and the 1980s. In just two decades, over two million people have become full-blown opioid addicts, while hundreds of thousands more have died after consuming too many of these drugs. Add to the already numerous quantities of prescription painkillers an onslaught of fentanyl and other synthetics, and you can see why the government has labeled this epidemic a national emergency. As we have seen, the Midwest and New England states have become full-blown opioid epicenters, but what about regions neighboring this area of the U.S.? For today, let’s take a closer look at South Carolina and see how the Palmetto State is handling the Opioid Crisis.
On Par with the National Average
Although South Carolina neighbors opioid hot spots in our country, the state’s total fatalities have barely stretched past the national average. From 2013 to 2016, the incidence of opioid overdose-related fatalities rose from 5.2 deaths per 100,000 residents to 13.1 fatalities per 100,000 residents (roughly 247 to 628 deaths). During this same period of time, synthetic opioid-related deaths, mostly connected to fentanyl, increased from 50 to 237, while heroin-related fatalities boosted from 32 to 115. As of 2015, South Carolina doctors wrote 4,490,916 opioid prescriptions (about 109 drugs per 100 patients, well-surpassing the national average of 70 opioids per 100 people).
Low Rate of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Ultimately, the rate of neonatal abstinence syndrome in South Carolina is lower than the average. From 1999 to 2013, the state reported 1.3 NAS cases out of 1,000 births to 3.9 cases per 1,000 births. Keep in mind that, as of 2013, the national average across 28 neighboring states was 6.0 NAS cases per 1,000 births.
Widespread Viral Outbreaks
In connection with the increase of synthetic drug use in the state, viral outbreaks have been on the rise over the past years. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV reported in 2015, South Carolina confirmed 694 outbreaks. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C reported in 2015, South Carolina documented 4,515 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.
