The Drug of Choice in Ohio with Devastating Consequences

The abuse of opioids is a significant problem in Ohio, with devastating consequences for individuals and communities.

Published On

December 10, 2023

Dove Recovery's Team

The Drug of Choice in Ohio with Devastating Consequences

What is the Drug of Choice in Ohio?

Ohio, like many other states in the United States, has been grappling with the issue of drug abuse for many years. With this problem, there are numerous drugs that are abused by individuals. However, there is no single drug of choice in Ohio. The drug of choice varies depending on the individual and the region.

The abuse of opioids is a significant problem in Ohio, with devastating consequences for individuals and communities. Here are some key points about opioids:

Opioids are drugs that are derived from the opium poppy plant. They include prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illegal drugs like heroin and fentanyl.
Ohio has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, with high rates of opioid overdose deaths in recent years. In 2019, there were 3,764 overdose deaths in the state, with fentanyl being involved in 75% of those deaths.
Opioids are highly addictive and can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped. They also have a high risk of overdose and death, particularly when combined with other drugs or alcohol.

Addressing the opioid epidemic requires a multi-faceted approach that includes prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. This includes increasing access to effective treatments like medication-assisted treatment (MAT), improving prescribing practices for opioids, and addressing the root causes of addiction such as poverty and mental health issues.

4 Commonly Used Drugs in Ohio

In Ohio, drug abuse is a significant problem, with prescription opioids and other drugs being commonly abused. Here are some examples of the most commonly abused drugs in Ohio:

Prescription opioids

Drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl are frequently obtained illegally and used for recreational purposes. In 2019, there were 3,764 overdose deaths in the state, and fentanyl was involved in 75% of those deaths.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that can cause serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and seizures. Long-term use can also lead to respiratory failure, brain damage, and other serious complications.

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is another highly addictive stimulant drug that can cause significant health problems. It can lead to tooth decay, skin sores, and other physical symptoms. Long-term use can also cause psychosis, paranoia, and other mental health issues.

Marijuana

This plant-based drug is often used for recreational purposes, and while it is legal for medical use in Ohio, it is currently being considered for recreational use as well.

These drugs have serious consequences on the health of individuals and communities in Ohio, which highlights the need for effective prevention and treatment programs.

Prescription Opioid Misuse in Ohio

Prescription opioid misuse is a significant problem in Ohio. According to the Ohio Department of Health, more than 4,000 Ohioans died from unintentional drug overdoses in 2016, with prescription opioids being the leading cause. This is a result of a combination of factors, including overprescribing by healthcare providers and the availability of these drugs on the black market.

Ohio has taken steps to address this issue, including implementing prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) that track prescriptions and prevent "doctor shopping" by individuals seeking multiple prescriptions for opioids. The state has also increased access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and save lives.

However, there is still much work to be done. Many individuals who become addicted to prescription opioids turn to illegal drugs like heroin or fentanyl when they are no longer able to obtain these drugs legally. This highlights the need for effective treatment programs that address both physical dependence and the underlying causes of addiction.

Overall, addressing prescription opioid misuse requires a comprehensive approach that includes prevention efforts aimed at reducing overprescribing and educating patients about the risks associated with these drugs, as well as treatment and recovery programs for individuals struggling with addiction.

Factors that Contribute to Drug Use in Ohio

Drug use is a complex issue that can be influenced by various factors. Here are some examples of factors that can contribute to drug abuse:

Poverty

Living in poverty can increase the risk of drug abuse due to stress, lack of access to resources, and feelings of hopelessness.

Lack of education

A lack of education or low educational attainment can increase the risk of drug abuse, as individuals may have limited job prospects and opportunities for personal growth.

Mental health issues

Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD can contribute to drug abuse, as individuals may turn to drugs as a way to cope with their symptoms.

Peer pressure

Social influences can play a role in drug abuse, as individuals may feel pressured to use drugs in order to fit in or be accepted by their peers.

It's important to address these underlying factors when developing prevention and treatment programs for drug abuse. By addressing these root causes, we can reduce the risk of drug abuse and help individuals lead healthier, happier lives.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in Addressing Drug Abuse

Healthcare providers play a critical role in addressing drug abuse. They are often the first line of defense in identifying and treating drug abuse and addiction. Here are some ways healthcare providers can help address drug abuse:

Screening for drug abuse

Healthcare providers can screen patients for drug abuse during routine checkups or when they present with symptoms that may be related to substance use. By screening patients, healthcare providers can identify those who may need intervention or treatment.

Providing education and resources

Healthcare providers can educate patients about the risks associated with drug abuse and provide resources for prevention and treatment. This includes providing information about local support groups, counseling services, and rehabilitation centers.

Prescribing responsibly

Healthcare providers who prescribe opioids or other controlled substances must do so responsibly and follow guidelines set forth by state and federal agencies. This includes assessing a patient's risk for addiction before prescribing medication, monitoring patients for signs of misuse or addiction, and tapering off medication when appropriate.

Collaborating with other professionals

Drug abuse is a complex issue that often requires collaboration between healthcare providers, social workers, law enforcement officials, and other professionals. Healthcare providers can work with these individuals to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of addiction.

By taking an active role in addressing drug abuse, healthcare providers can help reduce the impact of this epidemic on individuals and communities in Ohio.

The Economic Cost of Drug Use in Ohio

Drug abuse has significant economic consequences for individuals and communities in Ohio. Here are some examples of the economic costs associated with drug abuse:

Healthcare expenses: Individuals who abuse drugs often require medical treatment for addiction, as well as treatment for related health problems such as overdose, infectious diseases, and mental health disorders. These healthcare expenses can be substantial, particularly for those without insurance or who lack access to affordable care.
Lost productivity: Drug abuse can have a significant impact on an individual's ability to work and earn a living. This can result in lost wages and decreased productivity, which can have ripple effects throughout the economy.
Criminal justice costs: Individuals who abuse drugs may engage in criminal activity to support their habit, which can lead to arrest, prosecution, and incarceration. These costs are borne by taxpayers and can be substantial.

The economic costs of drug abuse in Ohio highlight the need for effective prevention and treatment programs that can help reduce these costs over time. By addressing the root causes of addiction and providing access to affordable care, we can help individuals overcome their addiction and lead healthier, more productive lives.

The Effectiveness of Current Drug Prevention and Treatment Programs in Ohio

Ohio has implemented various prevention and treatment programs to address drug abuse. However, the effectiveness of these programs has been a topic of discussion among experts.

According to a report by the Ohio Department of Health, there has been a decline in opioid overdose deaths in Ohio since 2017. This is attributed to the implementation of various prevention and treatment programs, including increased access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.

Additionally, the state has also implemented education and awareness campaigns to inform individuals about the dangers of drug abuse and provide resources for those seeking help.

However, while these programs have shown promising results, there is still much work to be done. A study by the Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network found that many individuals struggling with addiction face barriers to accessing treatment, including lack of insurance coverage and limited availability of treatment facilities.

Furthermore, some critics argue that current prevention efforts focus too heavily on law enforcement rather than addressing underlying social factors that contribute to drug abuse.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no single drug of choice in Ohio. Opioids, specifically prescription opioids, are the most commonly abused drugs in the state. However, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana are also commonly abused. It's important to address drug abuse in a holistic manner and tackle the underlying issues that contribute to it.