Taking a look back at various incidences throughout our country’s history, we begin to realize that the Opioid Epidemic might easily be one of the worst public health crises since the outbreak of HIV/AIDS in the 1970s and 1980s. As of several years prior, more than two million American adults are suffering from opioid addiction, while hundreds of thousands more die as a direct result of opioid overdoses. As you may have expected, or known after watching the news, several portions of our country have become epicenters of this pain, most notably regions in the Midwest and along the East Coast. For now, let’s take a closer look at Ohio and Indiana’s northern neighbor, Wisconsin, and see how the Badger State is handling the Opioid Crisis.
Lower Rate of Destruction
Pitting this state against opioid epicenters like West Virginia and Ohio, Wisconsin does not generally have as severe of an opioid problem, although its numbers still outrank the national average. As of 2016, Wisconsin reported an incidence of 15.8 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 people (about 865 fatalities), a few points above the national average of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 citizens. From 2010, heroin-related fatalities have risen from 92 to 389, while fentanyl-related deaths rose from 66 to 288 deaths. However, prescription opioids dominate the charts in Wisconsin, with the death rate increasing from 285 to 382. In 2015 alone, doctors in Wisconsin wrote 4 million prescriptions for opioids (about 69.1 drugs per 100 people), not far below the national average of 70 drugs per 100 patients.
A Twentyfold Increase in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Although drug use has not reached catastrophic levels, the same cannot be said for the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) cases in the state. From 1999 to 2013, the rate of NAS rose from 0.4 cases per 1,000 live births to 7.9 cases per 1,000 births. Keep in mind that the average across 28 neighboring states is 6.0 cases per 1,000 births.
Outbreaks of HIV and Hepatitis C
With outbreaks of synthetic drugs in the state, the rate of viral transmission has also reached dangerous numbers (though not as severe as those in West Virginia). Out of the 39,513 new cases of HIV documented in 2015, Wisconsin reported 229 cases. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 new outbreaks of hepatitis C confirmed in 2015, Wisconsin documented 3,745 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 abuse or 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.
