The opiate epidemic in the United States has increased by 9.6% in 2017 up from 2016, equaling 70,000 drug overdose deaths.  These deaths are defined as the result of intentional or unintentional overdose of a drug.  According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Ohio is in the top five states having the highest rate of opioid-related deaths.  In Ohio, overdose deaths were 46.3 per 100,000 in 2017, according to an article published by Open Minds.  Many people become addicted as the result of having been prescribed opiates for pain relief.  The Ohio State University is addressing this problem by creating pain management plans with a wider range of medication and therapy options.  If you or someone you know is struggling with opiate addiction, Talbot Hall has a walk-in center where you can receive outpatient treatment.  They are accepting patients Monday through Friday from 8am to noon, and you can access more information here by calling 614-257-3760, option 2.

Reference: Open Minds News Report 12/16/18