Addiction is a significant issue in Louisiana, and the problem has only been getting worse. Louisiana's thriving tourism industry adds to the challenge, as the constant flow of visitors makes it easier for drug dealers to blend in and find new customers. Unfortunately, this means that both alcohol and drugs are widely misused in the state, leading to serious consequences.
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Alcohol abuse is particularly concerning in Louisiana. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has seen a sharp rise in addiction and overdose cases. In just one year, there were 113 alcohol-related deaths among people under 21, and over 6,800 years of potential life were lost due to alcohol abuse. It's alarming to think that almost 19% of adults in Louisiana drink excessively. Even more troubling is that alcohol-induced driving deaths went up by nearly 9% between 2019 and 2020, even though there were fewer cars on the road because of the pandemic. This points to a larger mental health crisis in the state and across the country.
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Drugs are also a major problem in Louisiana. More than 130,000 residents struggle with drug addiction, with marijuana, prescription drugs, cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines being the most commonly used substances. Sadly, Louisiana has some of the highest overdose rates in the country. In 2021, 15 out of every 100,000 people died from an unintentional overdose. Within just five years, drug overdose deaths in the state more than doubled, and in one year alone, the overdose death rate jumped by 56%. Opioids, especially fentanyl, are the main cause of this surge in overdose deaths. Fentanyl is a powerful painkiller that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, making it incredibly dangerous.
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Despite the growing substance abuse crisis, many people in Louisiana are not getting the help they need. Various barriers, such as financial struggles, legal issues, and emotional challenges, prevent thousands from accessing the treatment they desperately need. Sadly, without proper care, many of these individuals continue to suffer in silence, with too many losing their lives to addiction.