Over the course of only a couple decades, our country has suffered so much tragedy at the hands of synthetic painkillers and prescriptions opioids, drugs that, in an ironic twist, are legal and are fully regulated by the government. No wonder officials have described the Opioid Crisis as a legitimate threat to public health. With the outbreaks of viruses and the continuous flood of illegal drugs across our borders, you can see why people are so concerned. Still, while states across New England and the Midwest have experienced the brunt of this epidemic, we have to consider how the Great Plains region is coping with this dreadful situation. For today, let’s take a closer look at South Dakota and see how the Mount Rushmore State is handling the Opioid Crisis.
A Low-Ranking Member…Thankfully
Ultimately, residents of South Dakota aren’t dealing with as great a tragedy as residents of Ohio, West Virginia, and other epicenters in our country, but that doesn’t make the situation any less tragic. In 2016, South Dakota reported an incidence of 5 opioid overdose-related fatalities per 100,000 residents (only 42 deaths in total), far below the national rate of 13.3. deaths per 100,000 citizens.
Prescribing Rates in South Dakota
How does the situation regarding opioid prescribing rank in the state? In 2015, South Dakota doctors wrote 582,000 opioid prescriptions, a rate of 67.8 drugs per 100 patients. Keep in mind that, during that same year, the U.S. national incidence was 70 drugs per 100 citizens.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Outbreaks
Thankfully, although it has experienced an increase in cases over recent years, South Dakota has still not reported dangerous rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) outbreaks, at least in contrast to other states. From 2007 to 2013, South Dakota reported a fourfold increase from 0.2 cases per 1,000 live births to 0.8 cases per 1,000 births. Remember that the U.S. national average was 6.0 cases per 1,000 births at the time.
Viral Outbreaks in the Mount Rushmore State
While certainly a mixed bag, in terms of proportions, South Dakota’s rate of viral outbreaks in connection to drug use has been relatively calm. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in the U.S. in 2015, South Dakota reported only 23 cases. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C reported in the U.S. in 2015, South Dakota only confirmed 570 incidences.
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.