While the heroin epidemic affects the entire country, some regions are getting hit harder than others. The four regions that saw the highest growth in heroin-related deaths in 2016 are the northeast, the midwest, the southwest, and the southeast. Heroin is a problem in some states in the northwest, but by-and-large, their numbers are much less staggering than those in the previously mentioned areas.
Northeast
The northeastern states may be small, but they’re experiencing dangerously high growth in heroin use and overdose deaths. In the state of Massachusetts, which has a population of only 6.8 million, 2,227 people died of a heroin overdose in 2016. Similarly, Maryland has a population of about 6 million and saw 2,044 people suffer overdose deaths.
One of the main reasons that the heroin epidemic is so bad on the east coast is that Baltimore has been the heroin capital of the country since the 1990s. The ease of trade through the Baltimore Harbor has made the city a hub for heroin abuse and distribution. Individuals in this area who are suffering from addiction could greatly benefit from residential treatment.
Midwest
Many rural areas in the Midwest lack effective ways to handle pain management. As a result, the first route that many doctors take is opioid painkillers. While they may seem like a good short-term solution, they can quickly lead to an out-of-control addiction. Once medical professionals start to notice that individuals are abusing these drugs, though, they cut off their supply.
The next logical choice is to turn to heroin, which is much cheaper and often easier to obtain than prescription drugs. Unfortunately, this led to 4,329 deaths in Ohio alone in 2016. In a state of 11 million people, this is significant. Additionally, states like Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky also saw a huge upswing in the number of heroin overdoses.
Southwest
Only a few southwestern states saw a significant jump in heroin deaths in 2016. They include New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada. Much of the heroin in this region comes in over the border of New Mexico from the country of Mexico. Both Mexico and many South American countries are known for their heroin trades, including black tar heroin. With a population of only 2 million, 500 individuals died of heroin overdose.
Southeast
While the southeast, in general, doesn’t have a huge heroin problem, both Florida and Louisiana have had increasing numbers of heroin overdoses. In fact, Florida tops the charts with 4,728 deaths in 2016. Finding a men’s rehab program or women’s rehab program is the only answer to beating this dangerous epidemic.
Stopping the Heroin Epidemic
The only way to avoid watching these numbers continue to grow is to help people get the substance abuse treatment that they need. At Denver Recovery Center, we offer individuals a place to overcome heroin addiction. Don’t become the next victim of the heroin epidemic. Instead, call Denver Recovery Center today at (844) 602-3175 to learn more about heroin addiction treatment.
