ARKANSAS — (KSNF/KODE) A recent study found that Arkansas has one of the highest rates of opioid abuse in the United States and that the state is seeing a significant increase in illicit drug use.
Arkansas had the second-highest rate in the US, at 4.6%, according to a study that examined the percentage of adult opioid abusers, which includes heroin, fentanyl, codeine, and morphine.
States with some of the highest rates in the country are Louisiana (4.27%) and Alabama (4.35%), both of which are significantly higher than the 3.44% countrywide average. With 4.9% of respondents admitting to misusing opioids, Tennessee has the highest proportion of any state.
Data from the most recent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration drug use survey were analyzed by experts in addiction treatment, Curednation, to determine the prevalence of illegal drug use in each state.
“The most widely used substances and the prevalence of drug use across society are different across the country,” said Trent Carter, the founder of Currednation, “and these data provide an intriguing look at these disparities.”
In a poll, 2.5% of respondents said they had misused opioids in the previous year, which is the lowest percentage of opioid usage among any state.
“This proves that drug abuse has a direct impact on millions of people and an indirect one on millions more, so it’s critical to keep in mind that if you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, there are resources available to support and assist them in beginning their recovery journey,” Carter stated.
