Ohio's Opioid Epidemic: Causes, Effects, and Innovative Solutions

Ohio has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, with high rates of overdose deaths and addiction.

Published On

December 10, 2023

Dove Recovery's Team

Ohio's Opioid Epidemic: Causes, Effects, and Innovative Solutions

Does Ohio Have an Opioid Problem?

Ohio has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, with high rates of overdose deaths and addiction. However, the state has also been at the forefront of efforts to combat the crisis, implementing innovative programs and policies to try to turn the tide. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the opioid problem in Ohio, exploring its causes, effects, and potential solutions.

The Scope of the Problem

Ohio has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, with one of the highest rates of opioid-related deaths in the country. In 2017, there were 4,293 opioid-related overdose deaths in Ohio, resulting in a rate of 39.2 deaths per 100,000 people. This rate was the second-highest in the United States, with only West Virginia having a higher rate.

One of the contributing factors to Ohio's opioid crisis is the overprescription of painkillers. This overprescription can lead to addiction and eventually to the use of more dangerous drugs such as heroin and fentanyl. In 2016, Ohio providers wrote 63.5 opioid prescriptions for every 100 persons, which is slightly lower than the national average of 66.5 prescriptions per 100 persons.

Efforts to Combat the Crisis

Ohio has taken a proactive approach to addressing the opioid epidemic, implementing a range of strategies to combat this crisis. Some examples include:

The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), which tracks prescriptions for controlled substances and helps identify patients who may be at risk for addiction. Ohio's PDMP was one of the first in the country and has been credited with reducing the number of opioid prescriptions written in the state.
Harm reduction strategies such as the widespread distribution of naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Naloxone is carried by first responders, community organizations, and public health agencies throughout the state.
Initiatives to increase access to addiction treatment and recovery services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and peer support programs. Ohio has expanded access to MAT, which combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. Peer support programs have also been launched to help people in recovery connect with others who have gone through similar experiences.
Innovative programs like "warm handoff," which connects people who have survived an overdose with addiction treatment services immediately after they are discharged from the hospital.
Ohio has also implemented a program called "Start Talking!", which aims to prevent drug use among young people by providing resources and education on the dangers of drug use. The program offers resources for parents, schools, and communities to help them have conversations with young people about making healthy choices and avoiding drug use.

These efforts have received national recognition, including a $55 million federal grant awarded to Ohio in 2019 to expand access to addiction treatment and recovery services statewide.

The impact on Ohio's economy

The opioid epidemic has had a significant impact on Ohio's economy. In addition to the human toll of addiction and overdose deaths, there are also economic consequences that ripple through communities across the state.

Here are some examples of the economic impact of the opioid epidemic in Ohio:

Healthcare costs

People struggling with addiction often require expensive medical treatment and hospitalization, which can strain local healthcare systems and lead to higher insurance premiums for individuals and businesses. In 2017, Ohio spent an estimated $1 billion on Medicaid-funded opioid treatment alone.

Lost productivity

When people are unable to work or die prematurely due to addiction or overdose, it can have a ripple effect throughout their families and communities. According to a study by the Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health, the opioid epidemic resulted in an estimated $2 billion in lost productivity in Ohio in 2016.

Law enforcement and criminal justice spending

Police departments in Ohio have reported increased costs associated with responding to overdoses, investigating drug-related crimes, and administering naloxone. In 2017, Ohio spent over $100 million on drug courts and other diversion programs that seek to address substance abuse through alternative forms of punishment.

Decreased property values

Communities with high rates of opioid use and addiction may experience decreases in property values as residents move out or businesses close down.

Increased social services spending

Communities affected by the opioid epidemic may require increased spending on social services such as child welfare, foster care, and homeless shelters.

Reduced workforce

Employers may struggle to find qualified workers due to addiction or overdose deaths among their potential employees.

Reduced tourism

Communities with high rates of opioid use and addiction may see decreased tourism as visitors avoid areas perceived as unsafe or undesirable.

Overall, the economic impact of the opioid epidemic in Ohio is significant and multifaceted. It highlights the need for comprehensive solutions that address both the human toll of addiction as well as its broader social and economic consequences.

The Role of Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies play a critical role in combating the opioid crisis in Ohio. Police departments across the state are on the front lines of responding to overdoses and investigating drug-related crimes. In addition, they work closely with other agencies and organizations to implement strategies aimed at reducing opioid use and addiction.

Here are some specific examples of how law enforcement is addressing the crisis:

Drug task forces

Multi-jurisdictional task forces bring together officers from multiple jurisdictions to investigate drug trafficking organizations and dismantle them. In Ohio, there are several task forces that specifically target opioid distribution networks.

Community education and resources

Some police departments have implemented programs that allow people struggling with addiction to turn themselves in without fear of arrest, in exchange for help finding treatment. Police officers may also host community events to provide education and resources to individuals and families affected by addiction.

Prescription drug diversion prevention

Law enforcement agencies monitor pharmacies for suspicious activity and work with healthcare providers to identify potential cases of overprescribing. They may also implement prescription drug take-back programs to encourage safe disposal of unused medications.

Naloxone administration

Police officers may carry naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, and administer it in emergency situations.

Overdose response teams

Some police departments have established overdose response teams that follow up with individuals who have experienced an overdose to provide resources and support.

Diversion programs

In addition to traditional law enforcement approaches, some police departments have implemented diversion programs that seek to address substance abuse through alternative forms of punishment.

However, it's important to note that law enforcement efforts alone may not be enough to fully address the opioid epidemic. Critics argue that strategies like harsher sentencing for drug offenses can exacerbate rather than solve the problem. It's important for law enforcement efforts to be balanced with other approaches such as harm reduction strategies, increased access to treatment, and prevention efforts targeted at youth.

Overall, law enforcement is an essential part of Ohio's response to the opioid crisis. By working collaboratively with other agencies and organizations and implementing evidence-based strategies, they can help reduce opioid use and prevent overdose deaths while upholding justice and public safety.

The Impact of the Opioid Crisis on Ohio's Rural Communities

While the opioid epidemic has affected all parts of Ohio, it has had a particularly devastating impact on rural communities. These areas often lack the resources and infrastructure necessary to support effective prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.

Here are some ways in which the opioid crisis has impacted Ohio's rural communities:

Limited access to treatment

Many rural areas have limited access to addiction treatment services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and counseling. This can make it difficult for people struggling with addiction to get the help they need.

Overdose deaths

Rural communities have experienced higher rates of overdose deaths than urban areas. In 2017, rural counties accounted for over half of all overdose deaths in Ohio, despite only representing about one-third of the state's population.

Stigma

Stigma surrounding addiction can be particularly strong in small towns and rural areas where everyone knows each other. This can make it difficult for people struggling with addiction to seek help or talk openly about their experiences.

Economic consequences

The economic impact of the opioid epidemic is also felt acutely in rural communities. Small businesses may struggle as customers move away or experience financial difficulties due to addiction. Workforce participation may decline as potential employees struggle with addiction or die prematurely due to overdoses.

Strained healthcare systems

Rural hospitals and clinics may struggle to keep up with demand for addiction treatment services, leading to longer wait times and reduced quality of care. This can also strain local healthcare systems and lead to higher costs for patients and insurers.

Overall, the impact of the opioid epidemic on Ohio's rural communities is significant and complex. Addressing this crisis will require targeted strategies that take into account the unique challenges faced by these areas, including limited resources, stigma, and a lack of access to care.

Effectiveness of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Ohio

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid addiction. MAT has been shown to be an effective approach for treating opioid addiction, and Ohio has made significant efforts to increase access to this type of treatment.

Research has shown that MAT can reduce overdose deaths, improve retention in treatment, and decrease illicit opioid use. In Ohio, MAT is available through a variety of providers, including primary care physicians, addiction specialists, and community health centers.

Ohio has also taken steps to ensure that Medicaid covers the cost of MAT for those who need it. This means that people with low incomes or who are uninsured have access to this life-saving treatment.

Despite these efforts, however, there are still barriers to accessing MAT in Ohio. Some areas of the state lack providers who are trained in providing MAT, and stigma surrounding addiction can make it difficult for patients to seek out this type of treatment.

Overall, medication-assisted treatment is a key component of Ohio's response to the opioid epidemic. By expanding access to this evidence-based approach and addressing barriers that prevent people from seeking help, we can continue to make progress in combating this crisis.

The Role of Community

Despite efforts to combat the opioid crisis in Ohio, the problem continues to persist. One crucial element in addressing the epidemic is community involvement. Local organizations and individuals have a significant role to play in reducing stigma around addiction, raising awareness about the dangers of opioids, and advocating for policies and programs that support recovery.

Here are some specific examples of community-based initiatives aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic in Ohio:

Ohio Opioid Education Alliance: This statewide coalition of organizations provides resources and support to communities grappling with the crisis. The organization hosts workshops, distributes educational materials, and advocates for policy changes that support prevention and recovery.
Prevention coalitions: Many Ohio communities have established prevention coalitions that bring together local organizations, government agencies, and individuals to address substance abuse issues. These coalitions may focus on providing education and resources to youth, implementing harm reduction strategies, or promoting safe prescribing practices.
Recovery support groups: There are a number of recovery support groups operating in Ohio, such as Narcotics Anonymous and Smart Recovery. These groups provide a supportive environment for individuals in recovery to share their experiences, connect with others, and receive guidance on their journey towards sobriety.
Harm reduction programs: Some community-based organizations in Ohio offer harm reduction programs that seek to reduce the negative consequences of drug use, even for those who are not yet ready to seek treatment. These programs may include needle exchange programs, overdose prevention training, or distribution of naloxone.
Advocacy groups: There are several advocacy groups in Ohio working to promote policies and programs that support recovery. For example, the Ohio Citizen Advocates for Addiction Recovery is an organization that advocates for increased access to treatment and supportive housing for individuals in recovery.

By engaging with these community-based initiatives and working collaboratively across sectors, Ohioans can help to reduce the impact of the opioid crisis in their communities.

Conclusion

Ohio has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, but the state has also been a leader in implementing strategies to combat the crisis. Efforts like the PDMP, naloxone distribution, and increased access to addiction treatment are making a difference, but there is still much work to be done. By working together, Ohioans can continue to make progress in reducing the harm caused by opioids and supporting those affected by addiction.