(Newswire.net — September 20, 2022) — Substance abuse in the United States has reached epidemic levels. If that’s a fact that doesn’t rattle you, these ten down below will. With the cases on the rise, it’s only a matter of time before tragedy can hit closer to home.
With the rise of opioid overdoses leading to death and things getting back to normal after the COVID-19 lockdowns, the trends may be changing for the worse. If you or someone you know may need help with their substance abuse issue, New Waters Recovery can help.
You can find out more information on their website here: https://newwatersrecovery.com/psychological-evaluation/. Now, let’s take a look at the following facts that are sure to disturb you.
One-quarter of patients prescribed opioids have misused them
The opioid crisis has become a problem that has stretched over a decade. One of the major issues is the misuse of opioid prescriptions. Patients that are prescribed these medications will be using them to relieve their chronic pain.
However, a quarter of them will misuse them. This includes increasing the dosage without the consent or advice of their doctor. This will lead them to need more of them, even if they have to acquire them through illegal means.
Nine out of ten addicts who need rehab the most don’t get it
This is an unfortunate statistic that we wish wasn’t true. Many people need rehab the most. Of those people, nearly ten percent will get it.
The majority of them will not receive adequate treatment. Even more alarming is that there are 15000 treatment facilities in the United States alone. It’s time that the demand for rehab needs to be met and anyone that needs help should get it.
A specialized facility such as one for alcohol or opioid addiction may be needed for those who specifically need it.
2 million Americans have suffered from opioid-related disorders
In 2015, it was reported that 2 million Americans have suffered from opioid-related substance disorders. Most of it is related to prescription opioids. Even scarier is that opioid medications that are misused can also lead to heroin use.
Yes, it’s true. If a prescription opioid is not enough, it may turn to something more potent like heroin. It’s also a widely abused opioid drug that can have fatal consequences if overdosed.
Even if they do survive the overdose, they may face long-term complications including brain damage. Some may even be in a vegetative state. Either way, it’s an unfortunate thing for anyone and their families to deal with.
Nearly 3 million Americans visited the ER due to drug abuse
According to a study, 3 million Americans had abused drugs to the point where a visit to the emergency room was needed. This was in 2011. The numbers may have changed (for better or worse) since then.
Specifically, people may have mixed substances for experimental purposes. Also, they may have been under the influence of substances and have sustained injuries. This also includes automobile accidents resulting in injury (while operating the vehicle).
Long-term benzo abuses have a high risk of Alzheimer’s
Benzodiazepines or benzos are often prescribed for beneficial treatments. However, they can be easily abused. If mixed with other substances like alcohol, it can prove to be fatal.
Those who abuse benzos for a lengthy period will have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Once diagnosed, there is no cure and it gets worse as it goes.
You have a greater chance of dying when trying cocaine
Cocaine is a potent drug that can kill you if you induce enough of a dose. The risk of sudden death can also increase as well. Even when you try it for the first time, the likelihood of this happening is high.
You may try it for the first time and it can end up being your last. You may experience a heart attack, stroke, or cardiac arrest. If this isn’t a scary fact to be aware of, we’re not sure what is.
The most commonly abused and deadliest substance: alcohol
Believe it or not, the most commonly abused and deadliest substance in the United States is alcohol. 17 million have been diagnosed with an alcohol disorder. Even worse, 80000 people have died from it.
Alcohol-related deaths are considered one of the top preventable causes of death in the United States. There are so many preventive measures that can be taken. One of them is making sure that someone gets the help they need.
A trace amount of fentanyl can kill a person
Fentanyl is a synthetic drug that has gripped the United States in recent years. A near trace amount can be enough to kill a human being. Large amounts of it may be enough to kill millions.
It’s that potent. This opioid is known to be 50 times stronger than heroin.
Alcohol is responsible for half of US auto accident fatalities
Drunk driving can lead to crashes (albeit fatal ones). In the United States, nearly half of the reported fatal auto accidents were alcohol-related. This can kill not only the driver but also their passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
Someone may be in the wrong place at the wrong time and get side-swiped. They may survive the crash or not. But the other person responsible may be drunk and behind the wheel.
Half of the reported rapes and murders in the United States were alcohol or drug-related
Rape and murder are two serious crimes. Half of the reported crimes in the United States featured alcohol and drug use. Someone may use substances on a person and they may rape or murder them.
Likewise, someone who uses substances may be in a state where they may cause the death of another person (whether intentional or not). This may be a disturbing fact. And it’s more proof that a person under the influence may have no idea what they’re doing.