When you consider how much damage the Opioid Crisis has inflicted on our beautiful country, you could easily consider this outbreak of addiction and death as a bonafide national emergency (even our government does). Over the course of 20 years, hundreds of thousands of people have died as a direct result of overdosing, while millions more have become full-blown opioid addicts. Thanks to synthetics and prescription drugs, America has become an epicenter for opioid use disorder. While certain parts of the country have been crippled by an influx of opioids, particularly West Virginia and Ohio, we also have to consider how the Pacific Coast has also been affected. For today, let’s take a closer look at Washington and see how the Evergreen State is handling the Opioid Crisis.
Low Rate of Opioid Problems
Overall, Washington ranks low on the list of states affected by the Crisis, although it is still handling its horde of drug problems. In 2015, Washington reported an incidence of 9.7 opioid-related overdose fatalities per 100,000 people (roughly 692 deaths), almost a full point below the then-national average of 10.3 fatalities per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, since 2010, heroin-related fatalities have risen from 60 to 303, while prescription opioid-related deaths have dropped from 573 to 550. Meanwhile, in 2015, Washington doctors wrote 4.88 million opioid prescriptions, a rate of 68.2 drugs per 100 patients (a few points below the U.S. average of 70 drugs per 100 people).
Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Although opioid problems have dropped in the state, Washington has, unfortunately, documented a steady rise in cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). From 2000 to 2013, cases of NAS rose from 1.3 cases per 1,000 births to 7.9 cases per 1,000 births. Keep in mind that the national average across 28 neighboring states is 6.0 NAS cases per 1,000 births.
High Rate of Viral Outbreaks
Despite positive outcomes for opioid problems in the state, Washington has still reported large outbreaks of viral diseases. Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in 2015, Washington confirmed 445 new outbreaks. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new cases of hepatitis C in 2015, Washington documented 6,918 new 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.
