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Drug Treatment in Long Island, NY: Cost of the Opioid Crisis

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Drug Treatment Centers in Long Island, NY: The Alarming Opioid Crisis Cost

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Justice, in 2019, about 71,000 individuals died from drug overdoses, making it a primary cause of injury-related death in the US. From 2013 to 2019, the synthetic opioid death rate rose by more than 1,000%. Of those deaths, over 70% involved a prescription or illicit opioid. Among New York State citizens, the number of overdose deaths related to any opioid heightened each year between 2010 and 2017, with an overall increase of 200.2% from 1,074 in 2010 to 3,224 in 2017, according to the New York State Health Department. [1] The impact of the opioid crisis extends to all sectors, including taxpayers, consumers, and businesses alike. Long Island businesses have also experienced increased healthcare expenses and diminished productivity as a result of opioid-related issues. In 2017, Long Island’s total private sector healthcare costs linked with opioids amounted to $172 million, while lost productivity stood at $200 million. That is, respectively, $5,400 and $6,300 per employee with opioid addiction and dependence.

Drug Treatment in Long Island, NY: Cost of the Opioid Crisis

Opioid painkillers are used to manage pain in patients where they’re suitable. But what’s considered suitable has been a hot topic lately. According to the CDC’s 2016 guidelines, doctors should only prescribe opioids if the benefits for both pain relief and function outweigh the risks. They should also consider using other treatments alongside opioids, like therapy or non-opioid medications. For short-term pain, like after surgery, doctors should prescribe the lowest effective dose for as few days as possible, usually no more than three days, because more extended use can be risky. [2] Opioids, even when prescribed by a doctor, can be addictive because they act on the brain’s reward system, producing feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Over time, the brain can become accustomed to these effects, leading to tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the same level of pain relief. Moreover, opioids can cause physical dependence, meaning the body becomes reliant on the drug to function normally. When someone stops taking opioids suddenly, they can experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be uncomfortable and lead to cravings for the drug outside prescription, contributing to addiction.

Addiction mirrors other diseases like heart disease. Both disrupt normal bodily functions, have serious consequences, and are often preventable and treatable. Without treatment, they can persist and even result in death. Amidst the alarming opioid crisis, drug treatment centers in Long Island, NY, stand ready to help people seeking recovery. With opioid-related costs skyrocketing – from devastating human tolls to economic burdens – these drug treatment centers in New York offer vital support and solutions. Through comprehensive programs tailored to individual needs, they address addiction’s root causes, empower recovery, and foster healthier communities. From detoxification to aftercare, their holistic approach involves every step of the journey towards sobriety. For individuals struggling with drug addiction or those concerned about a loved one’s health, prompt action can be taken with the assistance of healthcare professionals who specialize in addiction treatment. You can act now to get support within your reach.

What Is the Staggering Cost of the Opioid Crisis in Long Island? 

The opioid crisis has inflicted a staggering human toll on Long Island, with roughly $8.2 billion in economic damage in 2017, only slightly down from $8.4 billion in 2016. The whole daily damage that opioid addiction and overdose deaths caused the Long Island economy was $22.4 million in 2017 and $22.7 million in 2016. [3]

Statistics reveal that one in seven Americans struggles with a substance use disorder, a complex issue influenced by various factors. Individuals may turn to drugs as a coping mechanism for stress, trauma, or mental health challenges. Some may also develop opioid use disorder as a result of misusing prescription opioids. Regardless of the circumstances, prolonged drug use heightens the risk of addiction and affects the community.

Recovery from drug addiction isn’t just about resisting temptation; it often involves medication, therapy, and possibly rehab. While it’s tough, recovery is achievable.

Recovery options:

  • Inpatient rehabilitation: Provides a supportive environment for recovery without distractions or temptations.
  • Outpatient counseling: Helps people understand addiction, triggers, and reasons for drug use. It can be done at a doctor’s office or through telehealth.
  • Twelve-step facilitation therapy: This helps individuals accept drug addiction as a chronic disease and get ready to join a 12-step program.
  • Sober Living or Halfway Houses: A halfway house is a residential facility designed to support and assist individuals transitioning back into the community from institutional settings, such as psychiatric hospitals or substance abuse treatment centers.

Discover a supportive pathway to successful reintegration in Long Island, New York! Explore our sober living options, offering structured environments and vital support services for individuals transitioning back into the community. Start your journey towards independence and sobriety today by browsing our comprehensive directory of halfway houses in New York.

Is Lean an Opioid? 

As the opioid crisis persists in the Long Island community, individuals are increasingly resorting to recreational drug experimentation. One prevalent method of opioid misuse involves the creation of a concoction known as Lean. Popularly referred to as “Purple Drank” or “Sizzurp,” Lean is a mixture typically comprising prescription-strength cough syrup containing codeine, promethazine, soda, and sometimes candy for flavoring, often resulting in severe health consequences and contributing to the broader substance abuse challenges facing the region.

Recreational use of Lean, a mixture containing codeine, can lead to severe health risks such as drowsiness, hallucinations, and even death due to overdose or respiratory depression. There’s also the potential for developing opioid use disorder. One of the substances in Lean is codeine, an opioid that places individuals at risk of overdose.

Meet Carl. Carl was a music enthusiast who lived for the thrill of live concerts. His weekends were filled with the pulsating beats of his favorite artists, and he relished the euphoria that engulfed him during these events. However, Carl had recently discovered Lean, a concoction that some concert-goers claimed enhanced their experience.

As Carl’s desire with Lean grew, so did the toll it took on his health. He experienced frequent drowsiness and struggled to stay alert even during his beloved concerts. The once vibrant and energetic Carl began to withdraw from his friends and family, consumed by the effects of Lean. However, a frightening wake-up call came when Carl suffered a severe overdose, narrowly escaping death. It was then that he realized Lean’s destructive grip on his life. With the support of his loved ones and professional help, Carl pursued healing, seeking treatment for his opioid addiction, and finding solace in a community dedicated to helping individuals break free from substance abuse.

Is Ketamine an Opioid?

As the prevalence of opioid addiction heightens, many are already confusing drugs for opioids. One of which is ketamine. Both opioids and ketamine can produce sedation and pain relief, albeit through different mechanisms. This similarity in some of their effects might lead to confusion.

Ketamine is not an opioid. Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs known as dissociative anesthetics. While opioids primarily work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain and produce feelings of euphoria, ketamine works differently by blocking NMDA receptors, leading to dissociation from one’s surroundings, pain relief, and, in higher doses, hallucinations. Opioids and ketamine have distinct pharmacological properties and mechanisms of action.

Opioids are a class of drugs commonly prescribed to alleviate pain. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain. While they can be effective in managing pain, they also carry risks of addiction, overdose, and respiratory depression, particularly when misused or taken in high doses. Therefore, it’s essential for healthcare providers to consider the risks and benefits before prescribing opioids carefully and to educate patients about their proper use and potential dangers.

The Cost of the Opioid Epidemic and the Support of Drug Treatment Facilities in Long Island, NY

In 2017 and 2016, the economy-wide economic losses of opioid overdose deaths on Long Island were calculated at around $6.9 billion each year, while the costs linked with nonfatal opioid dependence summed up at $1.4 billion for each of the years. [4] Drug treatment centers in Long Island are aware of these economic hardships faced by individuals and the community at large. Consequently, many centers have implemented programs and services tailored to various financial circumstances. They offer flexible payment plans for rehabilitation services and accept medical state insurance, ensuring their programs are accessible to a wide range of individuals seeking assistance. By prioritizing affordability and inclusivity, these centers aim to remove barriers to treatment and support individuals in their recovery.

Fighting opioid addiction alone can be overwhelming and dangerous. The risk of relapse and overdose is high, putting your health at serious risk. Seeking help from New York drug treatment centers is essential for safe and effective healing. To address your needs, these centers provide tailored support, including medical care and therapy. Don’t go through this alone—reach out to professional treatment centers for the guidance and support necessary to achieve lasting recovery.

 

Resources:

[1] Long Island Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl That Contributed to Two Overdose Deaths – Department of Justice (.gov)

[2] Cohen B, Ruth LJ, Preuss CV. Opioid Analgesics. [Updated 2023 Apr 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459161/

[3-4] The Staggering Cost of Long Island’s Opioid Crisis – https://fiscalpolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Report-9_11_19.pdf   

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