January 17, 2018

Opioid Epidemic in the U.S. on the Rise

According to the latest Pew Research study, nearly half of all Americans have a family member or close friend struggling with a Substance Use Disorder, or SUD. Addiction strikes hard, and it is blind to race, age, or political affiliation. Among every demographic, death by overdose is on the rise, affecting over 7.4 million Americans, with the opioid epidemic at the center of it all.

The facts:

  • Heroin-related overdose deaths have increased by 600% from 2002 to 2015.
  • Of 64,000 drug overdose deaths in 2016:
    • Over 20,000 were caused by synthetic opioids.
    • Over 15,000 were related to heroin.
    • Over 14,000 were related to natural and semi-synthetic opioids (such as hydrocodone and buprenorphine)
  • Drug abuse and SUDs are estimated to cost society $442 billion annually.

While the causes of this massive opioid epidemic are complex, the solutions are clear. According to the Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health, the most effective interventions are carried out on a community level. Cross-sector community coalitions can assess and respond to specific local needs. Additionally, the report calls for integration of a full spectrum of treatment modalities to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans in the years to come.

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/10/26/nearly-half-of-americans-have-a-family-member-or-close-friend-whos-been-addicted-to-drugs/

June 9, 2017

Drug Use Statistics by State

The term "opioid epidemic” is in the news almost hourly. We hear tragic stories of lives destroyed by addiction. Some states are notorious for a specific type of drug use- think Montana with meth, or California with cocaine. But a recent WalletHub report published the drug use statistics on every state, ranked by “overall drug problem”, drug use and addiction, law enforcement and drug health issues and rehab. 

Where does your state rank? The answers may surprise you. 

Source: WalletHub

Here are the top 10 states in terms of the overall drug problem:

  1. District of Columbia
  2. Vermont
  3. Colorado
  4. Delaware
  5. Rhode Island
  6. Oregon
  7. Connecticut
  8. Arizona
  9. Massachusetts
  10. Michigan

Colorado also ranked #1 in teen AND adult drug users, while Alabama made a name for themselves as having the most opioid prescriptions per 100 citizens. West Virginia has the most overdose deaths per capita, and South Dakota has the most drug arrests per capita.

 

If you were surprised (like we were!), there's more to learn and more to do.

May 22, 2017

The Utah Opidemic

Many are calling addiction an epidemic in the United States and for good reason.  Last year, nearly 10% of the US population used illicit drugs, while binge drinking affected nearly 15%.  In 2015, 35,000 people died of an opioid overdose.  These numbers can be scary but the Utah Department of Health is taking aim to reduce and eventually eliminate this problem.  The Utah Opidemic is of particular concern.  They have declared the opioid problem in Utah an “Opidemic” and launched a campaign to promote awareness and resources for those struggling with addiction.  

Their website, opidemic.org, explains the serious consequences of opioid use, provides resources to find treatment, illustrates what to do if someone you know has an overdose, and provides hopeful messages from those who are overcoming their own addictions. These helpful tips offer suggestions on what to do to take action and support this initiative in your communities.  While the treatment centers listed on the website are located in Utah, the information is useful for anyone who is struggling or knows someone who is. Read here to learn more about the opioid epidemic.

If you need a new EHR for your addiction recovery or substance abuse treatment practice then you can schedule a free demo here or fill out the form below. 

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