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Ohio Drug Overdose Deaths Up 33%

Over the last several decades we’ve seen some pretty weird trends that people surprisingly hopped onto. We saw disco come and go, the pet rock didn’t stay for long, and don’t forget mullet haircuts (or even worse- the rooster top man buns that started appearing). Most of these things made their headway and disappeared with only the stories to tell. So when evaluating all of these, where does that leave “getting high”? For some it’s a hobby, some it’s experimentation, and then for others it is a very way of life.  

Apparently, death is the new trend that follows with the consumption of certain narcotics. Sorry if that is a little cold blooded, but the reality sets in and things become jaded sometimes. Just the title right there kind of gives you the chills and makes you gasp like you’re watching a horror movie. Ohio drug overdose deaths are increasing on a daily basis while the rest of America follows suit and we continue in the face of the opioid epidemic.

Drinking the Flavor Aid

Yes, that’s right, believe it or not, the famous Jonestown scenario used the grape flavored off brand instead of the infamous Kool Aid You we all joke about. Unfortunately, addiction and the Ohio drug overdose deaths that follow are almost comparable to Jim Jones and his dishing out of false hope. The opioids and cousin products that flood our streets are wiping out numbers of unsuspecting people who are just trying to find their way in this world. It’s one thing to be an addict or an alcoholic and allowing your disease to run rampant, but it’s a whole other situation when you have somebody innocently taking their last breaths not knowing the repercussions from trying to have a little fun in today’s day of age.

Pharmaceuticals like benzos and the opioid variety are tossed around like candy from doctor’s offices. We live in a money hungry world where this is something that will not be ceasing anytime soon. The DEA, FDA, and John Kasich- the state governor, have all gotten involved in a different capacity to slow down the Ohio drug overdose deaths and the pharmaceutical reign that has taken ownership of the great Midwestern state.

Look Under Your Seat

“You get a death- and you get a death. You all get to have death.” It’s like the pharmaceutical companies are Oprah and Ohio is the audience just unsuspectingly sitting in their chairs waiting to be given their Ohio drug overdose death. Oprah is not a bad person- I repeat I am not badmouthing Oprah (this just seemed like a good analogy to use). In 2016, the Ohio drug overdose deaths increased by 33% and resulted in a combined 4,050 deaths across the state approximately. Mind you, none of these deaths were 100 year old Martha on her death bed having lived a long a healthy life. Most of these are premature deaths of people looking to have a little fun or take the edge off and not waking up the next day as they turn blue and succumb to opiate poisoning more or less.

The Ohio drug overdose deaths have totaled that large 4k+ number with every corner of the state falling victim. Just on a county to county basis of a few areas:

  • Butler: 211
  • Champaign: 10
  • Clark: 73
  • Greene: 44
  • Miami: 39
  • Montgomery: 320
  • Warren: 58

These counties are just a small example of the epidemic that has taken a great nation by hostage.

overdose

Catch Me if You Can

The devastation that loved ones experience from the Ohio drug overdose deaths surmises anything anybody should have to be put through. To watch loved ones continually deal with the tragedy that ensues would be difficult for anybody. Encouraging the Ohio drug overdose deaths would be the two primaries, fentanyl, and carfentanil. Although similar in annunciation and effect, the two deliver diverse blows that both are fatal when misused and/or abused like addict and alcoholics are so prone to doing.

There’s a risk for relaxation that most chemically dependent are willing to chance for that euphoric feeling. With the odds against you though, it has many reevaluating their concept of chemical dependency. Ohio and the rest of the United States have undergone this pharmaceutical manipulation for years, but the last few years have picked up in pace.

The irony of the whole situation is that when there is a supply- there will always be a demand. Even with crackdowns from the government, it still seems impossible to put this ship to a halt. The last couple years have seen a decrease in prescription opioid abuse because of new laws implemented to slow everything down. On the other hand, more people have turned to heroin because of its cheaper and easier accessibility. This is unfortunately what has driven the resulting spike in Ohio drug overdose deaths. Cocaine and heroin are not what they seem anymore and 9/10 times will have one of the two primary components laced within, (fentanyl and carfentanil). Careful playing with fire.

Now What?

It’s becoming more and more apparent to some for the need to turn the focus on prevention and treatment more or less. “Ohio’s addiction epidemic has surged to unthinkable proportions. Current efforts are falling woefully short. It’s time to turn the state’s full attention to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders”, exclaimed Lori Criss, Chief Executive of the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Service Providers.

Taking the state in a direction of becoming aware of its services and looking for a solution seems to be the only viable thing to do. The Ohio drug overdose deaths will not stop overnight- that much is for certain. It’s going to take direction and effort on all parts to stop the onslaught of chemical fatalities- but it is possible.

Keep Your Chin Up

Falling victim to something that makes you feel good is a lot easier than some may give credit for. Addiction looms around the corner for many but in different shapes and sizes. If you or a loved one has been struggling with getting a firm grasp on sobriety and need a drug and alcohol treatment center, please call1-800-481-8457 or visit oarcstaging.wpengine.com. Our teams of specialists are waiting by to help figure out what options are best for sending your life is a comfortable direction that you can proudly stand behind.

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