What is the Opioid Capital of Ohio?

Ohio is a state that has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Ohio has one of the highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths in the country.

Published On

December 10, 2023

Dove Recovery's Team

What is the Opioid Capital of Ohio?

Ohio is a state that has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Ohio has one of the highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths in the country. But which city in Ohio has been hit the hardest by this crisis?

Which City is the Opioid Capital of Ohio?

The opioid crisis has hit several cities in Ohio hard. According to data from the Ohio Department of Health, some of the cities with the highest rates of unintentional overdose deaths in 2019 were:

Cincinnati: 490 deaths
Columbus: 431 deaths
Cleveland: 327 deaths

However, when looking at the rate of overdose deaths per 100,000 residents, the picture changes somewhat. In 2019, some of the cities with the highest rates of overdose deaths per 100,000 residents were:

Portsmouth: 116.5
Dayton: 91.9
Springfield: 88.1

It's clear that the opioid epidemic has affected many cities in Ohio and has had a devastating impact on their communities.

It's worth noting that while these cities have been hit particularly hard by the opioid crisis, the problem is by no means limited to them. Opioid addiction and overdose deaths have impacted communities across the state, from rural areas to big cities.

Opioi Epidemic in Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati has been hit particularly hard by the opioid epidemic. The city has seen a significant increase in overdose deaths over the past decade, with 490 deaths reported in 2019 alone. According to a report by the Cincinnati Enquirer, Hamilton County (where Cincinnati is located) had the highest rate of overdose deaths per capita of any county in Ohio in 2020.

The opioid problem in Cincinnati has had a devastating impact on communities across the city. It has affected people from all walks of life, including those who never expected to struggle with addiction. The crisis has also put a strain on local resources, including hospitals and first responders who are often called upon to treat overdose victims.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of hope in Cincinnati. The city has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at addressing the opioid crisis and providing support for those struggling with addiction. These include increased access to naloxone (a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses), expanded treatment options, and community outreach programs designed to raise awareness about the dangers of opioids.

While there is still much work to be done, these efforts are making a difference in the lives of many people in Cincinnati and across Ohio who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic.

The Impact of the Opioid Crisis on Families and Communities in Cincinnati

The opioid crisis has had a profound impact on families and communities in Cincinnati. Many families have been torn apart by addiction, with loved ones lost to overdose or struggling to overcome their dependence on opioids. The crisis has also taken a toll on the community as a whole, with businesses and neighborhoods affected by the ripple effects of addiction.

One of the most devastating aspects of the opioid crisis is how it affects children and young people. According to a report by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, the number of babies born addicted to opioids in Hamilton County increased by 42% between 2015 and 2016. These infants often require specialized care and can face long-term health problems as a result of their exposure to opioids in utero.

In addition to the physical toll, the opioid crisis has also had an emotional impact on families and communities. Parents may feel overwhelmed and helpless as they watch their children struggle with addiction, while siblings may feel neglected or forgotten as attention is focused on the person with the addiction. The stigma surrounding opioid addiction can also make it difficult for families to seek help or talk openly about their struggles.

Despite these challenges, there are resources available for families and communities impacted by the opioid crisis in Cincinnati. Support groups, counseling services, and other programs can provide assistance for those struggling with addiction or coping with its aftermath. By coming together as a community and working towards solutions, we can begin to address this devastating problem and help those who have been affected by it.

What is Being Done to Address the Opioid Crisis in Ohio?

Ohio has implemented several initiatives to address the opioid crisis and reduce the number of overdoses. These initiatives include:

Increased access to naloxone

Ohio has made naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, more widely available to first responders and community members. This has helped to save lives and prevent fatal overdoses.

Expanded access to addiction treatment

Ohio has expanded access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. MAT combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. By making MAT more accessible, Ohio is helping people overcome addiction and improve their chances of recovery.

Recovery services

Ohio has also invested in recovery services, such as peer support programs and support groups, to help people in recovery stay on track and avoid relapse. These services provide critical support and resources to individuals who are working to overcome addiction.

These initiatives are just a few examples of the steps that Ohio has taken to combat the opioid crisis and improve outcomes for individuals and communities affected by addiction.

The Role of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs in Reducing Opioid Abuse

Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are electronic databases that track the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances, including opioids. PDMPs can help identify patients who may be at risk for opioid abuse or addiction, as well as individuals who may be "doctor shopping" or obtaining multiple prescriptions from different healthcare providers.

In Ohio, the State Board of Pharmacy operates the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS), which is the state's PDMP. OARRS collects data on all prescriptions for controlled substances that are dispensed by Ohio-licensed pharmacies and healthcare providers.

By using OARRS, healthcare providers can get a more complete picture of a patient's medication history and identify potential red flags for opioid abuse or misuse. This can help them make more informed decisions about prescribing opioids and other controlled substances.

PDMPs like OARRS can also help prevent "doctor shopping," which occurs when an individual obtains multiple prescriptions for controlled substances from different healthcare providers without disclosing their full medication history. By identifying individuals who are engaging in this behavior, PDMPs can help prevent opioid diversion and reduce the overall supply of opioids in circulation.

While PDMPs are not a silver bullet solution to the opioid epidemic, they can play an important role in reducing opioid abuse and overdose deaths by providing healthcare providers with better information about their patients' medication histories and helping to prevent diversion of prescription drugs.

The Economic Cost of the Opioid Epidemic in Ohio

The opioid epidemic has not only had a devastating impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities in Ohio, but it has also taken a significant toll on the state's economy. According to a report by the Council of Economic Advisers, the economic cost of the opioid crisis in the United States was $696 billion in 2018, which amounts to 3.4% of the country's GDP.

In Ohio alone, the economic cost of the opioid epidemic is estimated to be billions of dollars each year. This includes costs associated with healthcare, criminal justice, lost productivity, and social services.

One major cost driver is healthcare expenses. Individuals who struggle with opioid addiction often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, and rehabilitation services. These expenses can quickly add up and put a strain on healthcare systems.

Another significant cost is related to lost productivity. Opioid addiction can make it difficult for individuals to maintain steady employment or perform at their best while on the job. This can lead to lost wages and reduced economic output.

Furthermore, there are costs associated with criminal justice interventions such as arrests, incarceration, and court proceedings for drug-related offenses. These costs are borne by taxpayers and can have long-lasting negative effects on individuals who become involved with the criminal justice system as a result of their addiction.

Overall, the economic cost of the opioid epidemic in Ohio is staggering and underscores why it is so important for policymakers and stakeholders to take action to address this crisis.

The Stigma Surrounding Addiction and How it Can Prevent People from Seeking Help

One of the biggest challenges in addressing the opioid epidemic is overcoming the stigma that surrounds addiction. Many people still view addiction as a moral failing or a lack of willpower, rather than as a medical condition. This can make it difficult for individuals struggling with addiction to seek help for fear of being judged or ostracized.

The stigma surrounding addiction can also prevent loved ones from seeking help for someone they know who is struggling with addiction. They may worry about what others will think if they admit their loved one has a substance use disorder.

However, it's important to remember that addiction is a disease and should be treated as such. Like any other medical condition, individuals with addiction require access to evidence-based treatment and support.

By reducing the stigma surrounding addiction, we can help more people access the care they need to overcome their substance use disorder. This means treating individuals with compassion and understanding, rather than judgment and blame.

It also means educating ourselves and those around us about the nature of addiction and how it affects individuals and communities. By increasing awareness about the realities of addiction, we can break down stereotypes and create a more supportive environment for those in recovery.

Ultimately, reducing the stigma surrounding addiction is essential if we hope to address this crisis effectively. It's time to recognize that addiction is a public health issue, not a personal failing, and work together to support those who are affected by this devastating disease.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, it's important to know that help is available. The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has a 24/7 helpline that you can call at 1-877-275-6364 to get connected to treatment and recovery resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are a number of cities in Ohio that have been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, it's important to remember that this is a problem that affects communities across the state. By working together to address the root causes of addiction and provide support to those who are struggling, we can begin to turn the tide on this crisis.