If you lay the cards on the table and analyze the facts, you will begin to realize that the U.S. Opioid Crisis is easily one of the most dangerous health epidemics since the HIV/AIDS outbreak of the 1970s. Over the course of 2 decades, over 2 million people have suffered from severe cases of addiction to these drugs, while hundreds of thousands more have died from overdoses. Heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and (ironically) strings of legal painkillers are ruining more lives every day, in some regions more than others. However, the true irony of the situation is that, while its neighbor New Hampshire ranks as the 2nd worst opioid hotspot in the U.S., Vermont does not suffer from as great of a problem. Let’s take a closer look at the Green Mountain State is handling the Opioid Crisis.
13th in the Nation
Although it might not be listed among the top 10 opioid epicenters of the U.S., Vermont is still fighting a hard battle against an influx of opioid drugs. In 2016 alone, the state recorded 18.4 opioid-related overdose deaths out of 100,000 residents (about 101 deaths), a few points above the U.S. national average of 13.3 fatalities out of 100,000 people. Overall, the number of heroin-related deaths has increased from 20 (2013) to 45 (2016), while synthetic-related deaths boosted from 17 to 53. In 2015, doctors in Vermont wrote 388,100 prescriptions (about 62.0 opioid drugs per 100 patients), less than the national average of 70 drugs per 100 people.
Rate of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Based on a recent study produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in Vermont has been on the rise. From 2001 to 2013, the number of NAS cases rose from 0.7 outbreaks to 33.3 outbreaks (a nearly forty-eightfold boost in cases). Keep in mind that the average NAS rate among 28 neighboring states is 6.0 cases per 1,000 births. As of 2015, the NAS rate in Vermont is 50.6.
Outbreaks of HIV and Hepatitis C
Overall, Vermont has not recorded outbreaks of HIV and hepatitis C that are on the same level of severity as neighboring states. Out of the 39,513 new documented cases of HIV reported in 2015, only 11 cases took place in Vermont. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C documented in 2015, only 4 cases occurred in Vermont.
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 100% legal and 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.
