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Ohio Drug Problem: Complete View Of Heroin Epidemic In OH

Ohio Drug Problem: Complete View Of Heroin Epidemic In OH

• Uritox

6-MAM and opioid addiction has been one of the never-ending headaches in the United States. While some states have a moderate impact on drug abuse, it has become prevalent and an epidemic in OH. 

According to the reports, the Ohio drug problem increased by 35% in 2020. Between 500 to 700 people in Ohio have died due to 6-MAM overdose in just a month.

Table of Contents:

6-MAM Facts

  1. 6-MAM belongs to the class of opioid drugs that produce euphoric effects on the body.
  2. It is extracted from the seed pots of the opium plants in Southeast and Southwest Mexico, Asia, and Columbia.
  3. It is available in brown, white, and black colors.
  4. It is listed under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.

To know more about 6-MAM, its short and long-term effects, and treatment, refer to our 6-MAM Drug Facts page.

Ohio Drug Problem - Overview

6-MAM had been in use since the 20th century and was prescribed by doctors for pain relief. Later due to 6-MAM dependence and abuse, the U.S Government banned the drug under the Heroin Drug Act of 1924.

The drug addiction levels dropped down for decades after the act, but they rose again in 1965 due to the availability of 6-MAM in the black market. The number of 6-MAM addiction cases rose to 800,000 in the United States. This grew to epidemic levels in the 21st century as 6-MAM was used as an alternative to prescription painkillers.

Statistics: 6-MAM Use and Abuse Today

  1. According to recent reports, nearly 400,000 Americans above 12 have used 6-MAM or other opioids once in their lifetime.
  2. More than 25,000 Americans die every year due to 6-MAM overdose
  3. Nearly 40% of road accidents have occurred due to 6-MAM overdose in the past five years.
  4. On an average day, nearly 600 Americans intake 6-MAM.
  5. About 80% of the prescribed 6-MAM users abuse 6-MAM and become 6-MAM-dependent.

Statistics of 6-MAM Abuse in Ohio

  1. According to trusted sources, the 6-MAM overdose in Ohio has increased to epidemic levels since 2010.
  2. Of every 14 6-MAM and opioid overdose deaths, 9 of the deaths are reported in Ohio.
  3. The most affected is Butler county that reported 75% of the 6-MAM overdose cases.

Who is at High Risk of 6-MAM Abuse?

  1. People addicted to prescription opioid painkillers.
  2. People addicted to COC.
  3. People addicted to MMJ and Alcohol.
  4. People in metropolitan cities and towns.
  5. Males in the range of 18 to 25 years.

Why 6-MAM Overdose Worsened in Ohio?

Several psychological and physical problems have led to the increase in the intake of 6-MAM by the Ohioans. But this worsening is due to the emergence of the pandemic. Most people in Ohio use 6-MAM and other opioid drugs as a distraction to the threat of the Coronavirus outbreak. This kind of dependency on 6-MAM would have led to addiction.

The pandemic had not only integrated the families that were far apart but also shattered the hopes of the working population. Many have lost their jobs, their businesses went down, which creates depression and stress.

Ohioans manage stress by taking 6-MAM and other abusive opioids that could affect their health in the long run. According to recent reports, 6-MAM abuse in Ohio increased by 35% to 40% in 2019-2020.

The magnitude of the 6-MAM epidemic has hit the health care system and the community at large. This may be due to the below reasons apart from the pandemic.

  1. Social isolation
  2. Lack of mental awareness
  3. Drug overdose

These are some of the reasons that have a combined effect on the individual to take 6-MAM illegally or above prescription that lead to addiction issues.

Treatment of 6-MAM Overdose

The Ohio government has come up with several policies and programs to curb 6-MAM overdose. As per their guidelines, they have enhanced the roles of pharmacists and healthcare professionals to get the opioid epidemic under control.

  1. Prescription Drug Monitoring Program - The Ohio Government has come up with the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to conduct non-opioid therapy and enroll them in the PDMP before prescribing them 6-MAM or other opioids.
  2. Reduce the supply of 6-MAM - Reducing the supply and creating a supply-on-demand with the approval of medical professionals can curb the 6-MAM overdose.
  3. Dispensation of Naloxone - The Government has allowed the dispensation of Naloxone, which has the properties of reversing the effects of 6-MAM and other opioids. The government has expanded access to naloxone and conducts training programs to administer naloxone to reduce 6-MAM overdose deaths.
  4. Nasal Sprays - In 2015, the FDA introduced the nasal spray - Narcan, which can be sprayed into one nostril that can reduce the effects of 6-MAM. In 2021, the FDA came up with a higher dose of naloxone nasal spray Kloxxado that can be used by family members or caregivers to reduce the effects of 6-MAM.
  5. Home Drug Test Kits - You need to check yourself on 6-MAM overdose by using a high-quality Home Urine Drug Testing Kit to know the levels of 6-MAM in your body. This will help you to keep track of the drug levels in your body so that you can manage the drug intake.
ohio drug problems

What Can You Do to Prevent 6-MAM Overdose?

  1. Use 6-MAM and other opioid drugs as per doctor’s prescription.
  2. Know how to respond to 6-MAM overdose.
  3. Get help from the Ohio government on 6-MAM abuse through their helpline.
  4. Report when you find your loved ones or friends are under 6-MAM abuse.

Final Words

There is always a solution to the problem, and so to the 6-MAM epidemic. If you think you or your friend is under 6-MAM abuse, meet a trained medical professional and get into a rehabilitation program. Let us join hands and curb the Ohio drug addiction and create a peaceful and drug-free society.

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