New Study Looks at States With the Biggest Drug Problems — See Where RI is Ranked
Wednesday, May 04, 2022
It’s National Prevention Week, and WalletHub has taken a look at states with the biggest drug problems.
According to their analysis, Rhode Island is #13.
In subcategories contributing to the overall rankings of highest drug use by state, RI was #11th for drug use and addiction; #47 for law enforcement, and #5 for drug health issues and rehab.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Drug abuse has a long and storied history in the United States, and we’ve been 'at war' with it since 1971 under the Nixon administration. Yet despite the country’s best efforts to fight it, the problem is getting worse, and is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says WalletHub.
“This study compares the 50 states and the District in terms of 21 key metrics, ranging from arrest and overdose rates to opioid prescriptions and employee drug testing laws,” they continue, noting the number of annual drug overdose deaths in the U.S. now reaches over 100,000.
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What should family or friends do if they suspect someone has a drug problem?
“Family and friends should provide support and assist their loved one in finding evidence-based, quality treatment or harm reduction services if this is what their loved one wants. It is important to remember that coercive approaches are rarely effective, and there is not good evidence in support of bombarding folks with confrontational ‘interventions’ or trying to shame someone out of using,” said Shoshana V. Aronowitz, PhD, MSHP, FNP-BC – Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.
“Family and friends of people with substance use disorders may also benefit from attending therapy themselves, as their loved one’s substance use may cause them anxiety or pain.”'
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