Over the course of several decades, the people of our country have been waging a private war against a notorious yet familiar enemy: opioids. In the midst of illegal drugs like crystal meth and marijuana, many opioids pose a particularly nasty threat because (in an ironic twist) they are 100% legal and are approved by doctors (and the U.S. government). Add to that an influx of synthetic opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil, and you can see why America has a bit of a crisis on its hands. However, while the major problems in West Virginia are broadcasted in drug news, New Hampshire (surprisingly) comes at a close second as an epicenter for the dreaded Opioid Crisis. Let’s take a closer look and find out how this epidemic is impacting the Granite State.
Second-Highest Death Rate
Following in at a close second to West Virginia, New Hampshire has the second highest rate of opioid-related deaths in the United States. As of 2016, the state recorded 437 opioid overdose deaths (roughly 35.8 deaths per 100,000 residents), nearly 3 times higher than the U.S. national average (13.3 per 100,000). Between 2013 and 2016, the number of these fatalities tripled, an event which has been connected to an influx of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids (which are 10 times more frequent).
Prevalence of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Needless to say, New Hampshire has also experienced an unfortunate increase in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) cases. One study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2013 confirmed that, from 2003 to 2011, the number of NAS cases in New Hampshire boosted from 20 to 150. As of 2015, this number has skyrocketed to 269 births (approximately 24.4 out of 1,000 live births in the state).
Drug-Related HIV and Hepatitis C
Due to the influx of injectable opioid in the state, New Hampshire has also recorded a high percentage of drug-related illness outbreaks. As of 2015, the U.S. reported a national average of 39,513 new cases of HIV, and, according to reports, 22 of these cases took place in New Hampshire. Meanwhile, out of the 181,871 cases of hepatitis C in the United States, 113 documented cases of hepatitis C were reported among New Hampshire residents.
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.