VERMONT ADVOCATES FOR BETTER REHABILITATION FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY OPIOID ABUSE
A Bit of Background
Opioids are a stronger drug, with powerful impacts on the user and people around them. Opioid addiction is a lifelong chronic illness. Just like diabetes or heart disease, managing a person's addiction requires effective medical treatment and lifestyle changes.
In 2011, Vermont had the second highest per capita rate of all states for treatment admissions for prescription opioids (Treatment Episode Data Set, 2011). Along with the men and women who are using in Vermont, infants are also a highly effected group of people. Vermont has the second highest rate of babies born with opiate addiction in the nation; 33 for every 1,000.
For such a small state like Vermont, these statistics are shocking. It is clear that the treatment plans for opioid abusers in Vermont needs to be more regulated and funded. We would especially like to bring attention to parents with children who are users and need treatment to better the dynamic of their family.
THE FACTS
The Opioid Impact
Babies born to mothers addicted to opioids often suffer from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, causes breathing problems, and poor growth, and can result in premature birth, seizures, birth defects, and more.
In 2016, there were 101 opioid-related overdose deaths in Vermont —a rate of 18.4 deaths per 100,000 persons, greater than the national rate of 13.3 deaths per 100,000 persons.
In the U.S between 2010 and 2012 21,732 infants were born with NAS. Equivalent to one baby suffering from opiate withdrawal, born every 25 minutes.
THE PROBLEM
The Opioid Impact
Vermont has some of the worst statistics on opioid addiction despite it being one of the most well-funded states. Vermont has the best healthcare provider to addict ratio in the country. However, the lack of personalized counseling and custom treatments makes this statistic absolutely meaningless. The conventional Methadone clinics are not enough to reduce the amount of addicts, overdoses, and babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Better methods for treating opioid addicts should be further explored and carefully funded to provide better results. The methadone clinics aren’t enough to keep people clean and are only making matters worse, continuing addiction and use.
Methadone clinics, are being pushed as a solution to the opioid crisis. These clinics utilizing Methadone are perpetuating the crisis. Methadone contains its own addictive properties used to curb stronger opioids, but continue the use and addiction.
Today, the capacity of treatment centers available is limited compared to the number of opiate abusers who are in need care.
THE SOLUION
Providing alternative treatment options in the form of rehabilitation programs.
Taking focus off of methadone sites and transferring it to rehabilitation programs for opioid addiction recovery, will reflect a shift in paradigm destigmatizing opiate abuse.
Rehabilitation centers will work to redefine opiate abuse as an addiction rather than a societal flaw.
Rehabilitation facilities will provide addicts with alternative methods to cope with addiction, and restrict the use of further addictive medication.
CONTACT VERMONT ADVOCATES FOR BETTER REHABILITATION FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY OPIOID ABUSE
