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.
