Are you wondering what is one of the most serious public health problems in our country? According to the Ohio Women's Network and Kent State University, it's substance abuse. Nearly 7 percent of females and about 11 percent of males in the United States are current drug users. (Data is for individuals 12 years of age or older in the United States.)
Other than prescription pain killers, from 2002 until 2011, the estimated number of individuals in the United States classified as substance abusers has remained constant at about 22 million. Break that down to Ohio, and you're talking more than 75,000 individuals are admitted to treatment programs during those years - of which over 24,000 are women. If all these women were admitted for drug treatment in a 30-day outpatient treatment program, Ohio would pay about $45 million.
Since 2005, prescription pain medication has increased about 300 percent. This increase in illicit use of prescription drugs, especially OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet, has unique implications for the women who abuse them. Let's assume some of these women are pregnant and live in Ohio. Grant Medical Center in Columbus reports delivering four times as many newborns addicted to opioid drugs (such as those listed earlier) with the time frame being from 2008 to 2010. Cincinnati's Children's Hospital reports double the number of opioid-addicted newborns. It's likely that the number of these newborns in Ohio is under-reported, because most hospitals don't drug test their newborns.
As you can imagine, an opioid-addicted baby requires special medical attention and other services that substantially drives up costs in comparison with drug free, healthy babies. Most newborns are in the hospital 48 to 72 hours; opioid-addicted babies typically remain in the neonatal unit an average of two to three weeks (although some remain for three to six months). In terms of dollars, you're talking anywhere from $27,000 to $352,000 for these innocent babies. Sadly, the opioid-addicted baby is at risk for developmental delays, chronic medical conditions, and disabilities that contribute to additional costs.
What can you do to help prevent prescription painkiller abuse and/or addiction? If you have any of these medications, lock them up or get rid of them by taking them to your local sheriff's office where a 24/7 drop box is in the lobby. Many local police departments also have drop boxes.
The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board is committed to sharing information and resources for better mental health and the prevention of substance abuse. If you would like more information, please call the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties at (419) 448-0640. The board's office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.