Mississippi

A big number of numbers are struggling with addiction. Almost all of the states in the U.S are battling against the rising number of drug abusers and the drug-related overdose deaths. At present, there’s an estimate of about 19 million Americans dealing with drug abuse.

Ranking

In a study where all the states of America are ranked based on the severity of their drug problem, Mississippi placed on the 36th with a rate of 39.20%. The country with the most significant drug problem is the District of Columbia. Approximately 6% of Mississippi residents reported the past-month use of illicit drugs; the national average was 8%.

Mississippi is one of the top 5 states with the most opioid prescription in every 100 people. The state also is one of the areas most drug arrests per capita. Most of the drug abusers in Mississippi don’t receive substance abuse treatment.

Presciption Pills Problem

The opioid epidemic happening in the whole of America has hit hard the state of Mississippi. It has affected several locals regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or class. In fact, the area is one of the states with the most burdensome rates of prescription painkillers per capita according to the Mississipi Department of Health. On estimate, there are about 120 written prescriptions for painkillers in every 100 people supplied to Mississippi. That’s why abusers can have easy access to the illicit drug.

Overdose Rates

Because locals have easy access to painkillers, it’s expected that the rate of overdoses leading to death will rise and it did. When you look at the overdose rates in Mississippi, it’s noticeable that most cases are of men. Based on the statistics, males overdose rates are higher than the opposite sex.

In 2016, the overdose rate in Mississippi is 6.2 deaths in every 100,000 people with 180 opioid-related overdose deaths. From 2013 to 2016, there’s an increase from 10 to 33 deaths from heroin overdose.

Resources and Commitment Needed

Even if it’s true that a person’s willingness to be treated can lead to positive results, it still needs proper resources, and commitment or sobriety will still not be possible. Mississippi might have received federal funding to rehabilitate abusers. It’s not enough to cover the growing number of abusers. Sadly, only 11% of people in the United States who require treatment receive it.

Mississippi Prescription Monitoring Program

The Mississippi Board of Pharmacy manages an electronic tracking program called the Mississippi Prescription Monitoring Program. This program helps doctors and medical dispensers to recognize the illegal use of controlled drugs and other medications.

Approaches and Treatment

Taxpayers are funding two contradictory approaches to solving the current drug problem in Mississippi. One method is about arresting the abuser while the other offers health-based treatment.

In April, Mississippi received a  $3.58 million federal grant to respond to the opioid crisis, and the grant director said that the state is using 100 percent of the funds on health-based initiatives.

Cities of Mississippi

↓ Show More

↑ Show Less

Mississippi Sober Living Facilities