Based on ongoing reports, several regions of the United States have sustained more damage triggered by the Opioid Crisis than others, which has resulted in a cesspool of a mess in our nation. However, if researchers could produce a definitive capital of the opioid epidemic, we need not look any further than West Virginia. As of 2016, this small Midwestern state has experienced a rate of 43.4 deaths per 100,000 people (the highest rate of opioid-related overdose deaths in the entire country). That same year, most of these deaths were related to the use of synthetic opioids (rising from 102 to 435 from 2010 to 2016). Let’s take a closer look at the Capital of the Opioid Crisis and find out what West Virginia is going through.
Staggering Number of Prescriptions
Needless to say, West Virginia has steadily been experiencing a boom in opioid use. In 2013 alone, medical providers in the state wrote a staggering 2.8 million prescriptions for opioids (approximately 110 drugs per 100 people). That same year, the national average for opioid prescriptions was 70 drugs per 100 people, demonstrating the severity of the health epidemic in West Virginia.
Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Overall, cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) have increased over the past decade. From 2007 to 2013, the rate of NAS rose from 7.7 33.4 incidences per 100,000 births in West Virginia, while cases in 28 neighboring states averaged 6.0 per 1,000 cases. From 2014 to 2016, NAS rates boosted to a staggering 37 incidences per 1,000 births. Ultimately, researchers determined the most severe neonatal abstinence cases took place in the southern portion of West Virginia, with 48.75 cases per 1,000 births.
Rates of HIV and Hepatitis C
With the influx of injectable synthetic drugs in the state, you will not be surprised to learn that West Virginia has also been suffering from an outbreak of HIV and Hepatitis C. Out of 39,513 new HIV cases that occurred across the United States in 2015, 74 took place in the State of West Virginia. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 cases of hepatitis C in our country, West Virginia confirmed 6,347 cases of the virus.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
For individuals suffering from drug addiction, the path to healing can sometimes feel like a distant flicker of light in the darkness. Sometimes, you may feel like you are sinking into the muck and are unable to reach your prize. However, you must stay strong and be patient. With the right resources and a little bit of love for yourself, you can easily overcome your sickness and become healthy once more.
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.
