The Opioid Crisis “BY THE NUMBERS”

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6 Hamilton Opioid Crisis By the Numbers

GOAL:

Controlling and eliminating abuse of opioid drugs in the world and America in general, as well as Michigan and Flint in particular.

NATIONAL IMPACT:

In the United States in 2017, a total of 70,237 drug overdose deaths were reported. That totaled nearly 22 persons per 100,000 population. That figure is up by nearly 10% over the 2016 totals, the two most-recent years reported by the Centers for Disease Control and other governmental agencies.

MICHIGAN IMPACT:

In Michigan during 2017, a total of 2,033 overdose deaths involving opioid drugs were reported. That totaled nearly 21 persons per 100,000 population, slightly below the national average.

WHAT IS BEING FOUGHT:

Opioids — mainly synthetic pain-relief drugs other than methadone — are the main driver of drug overdose deaths. Opioids were involved in 68% of all U.S. drug overdose deaths in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

FOUND ALMOST EVERYWHERE:

Some of the generic names these opioids are known by include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), oxymorphine, morphine, codeine, heroin and fentanyl.

WHY SO HARMFUL:

When prescribed by doctors for pain relief, opioid drugs are highly addictive for some patients. They trigger the release of endorphins, our brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. Endorphins muffle the perception of pain and boost feelings of pleasure. Some people unintentionally or intentionally seek to repeat this feeling, and become addicted.

BEST TREATMENT METHOD:

Several medications including buprenorphine, methadone and extended release naltrexone are effective for treatment of opioid overuse. Long-term Opioid / MAT services (Medically Assisted Treatment) through qualified experts such as Hamilton Community Health Network offers the best option to overcome opioid addiction.

Advisement

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