Effects of the opioid epidemic have caused serious issues across the country, and Utah is no exception. Drug and alcohol treatment centers are doing their part to help people get through the trials that come from an opioid addiction. Here are some statistics about how this epidemic affects Utah.
1. Utah Experienced a 400% Increase in Prescription Drug-Related Deaths
While many people focus on illegal opioids, it’s important to remember many opioid issues start with prescription drugs. The increase in deaths occurred between 2000 and 2015. In response, the Utah Department of Health increased its efforts to combat these deaths.
Still, even as the state combatted prescription opioid abuse and misuse, the heroin-related deaths started to increase. In an effort to combat all opioid overdoses, the state started to increase distribution of Narcan and giving more funding to treatment efforts.
2. Every Month, Approximately 24 People in Utah Die from Prescription Opioid Overdose
Opioid overdose claims lives in large numbers across the country. In Utah, the numbers from prescription opioid overdose alone are staggering. Note this does not include the overdoses specifically from heroin, which also come in large numbers. As to the prescription drugs in question, the top two prescribed and abused opioids in the state include:
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
While these two claimed the lion’s share of problems, other prescription drugs have also made their mark, especially fentanyl.
3. Opioid Overdoes Related Deaths Are on the Decline in Utah
The number of deaths from opioid overdoes dropped in Utah since 2016. Once, the state saw deaths in numbers higher than the national average. From 2016 to 2017, the numbers dropped, and Utah was only one of nine states that saw such a drop.
By the numbers, Utah experienced a double-digit percentage decrease in both heroin and prescription opioid deaths. That means that methods of curtailing the epidemic in the state are working and showing results. Drug and alcohol treatment centers are doing their part, as well as the government stepping up efforts.
4. No One Is Immune to the Possibility of an Opioid-Related Death
State statistics show that opioid overdose affects males and females indiscriminately. A study from the Utah Department of Health shows the following:
- The highest death rates occurred for those aged 45 to 54
- The highest emergency room visits for opioid-related issues occurred for those aged 25 to 34
- The highest emergency room visits specifically for heroin overdose occurred with those aged 18 to 24
Gender played no role here, and neither did any other sociological factors. The opioid epidemic doesn’t discriminate. People should never assume it won’t affect them or their loved ones.
5. More People Are Seeking Help for Opioid Addictions
With more awareness and more effort from the government, more people are seeking treatment for themselves or loved ones. The state has enacted various policies such as the syringe exchange programs, and more programs that allow Utah to receive federal funding.
Still, opioid addiction requires an individual approach. That’s why drug and alcohol treatment centers such as RenaissanceRanchOgden.com and others have stepped up their efforts to provide the care needed. To learn more about our opiate addiction treatment and prescription drug abuse help programs, contact us today.
