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In Ohio, the availability of illicit drugs like cocaine and heroin remain high, but a growing concern in the state is the increased availability of fentanyl and carfentanil, extremely potent synthetic opioids.
Fentanyl is the leading opioid of abuse in OH and is surpassing heroin in terms of sales in many areas.
Meth use has also become more prevalent over the past few years, with cases increasing by 20% from 2015 to 2016.
Drug overdose deaths in Ohio reached 3,310 in 2015—the second highest in the country—an increase of 21.5% from 2014.
The rise of opioid use in Ohio, both with prescription medications and heroin, has created a specific type of health crises in the state. Several state programs and interventions have been launched in response. The following highlights the current crisis in Ohio:
Ohio has a highly segmented penalty system for drug possession crimes. While possessing one type of drug comes with certain penalties, another substance may have an entirely different set of punishment criteria.
Each controlled dangerous substance (CDS) in Ohio is classified into five separate categories known as schedules. Schedule I lists the drugs considered to be the most dangerous, with a high likelihood of abuse and no recognized medical value. Drugs in schedules II through V decrease in dangerousness and dependency potential but increase in recognized medical value.
A person found in possession of a CDS listed in schedules I or II will be charged with a felony. Maximum fines and sentencing vary according to how much of the substance's bulk amount was found. For example, the bulk amount for a five-milligram tablet of the oxycodone-based painkiller Endocet is 60 tablets.
| Amount Possessed | Charge | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Less than bulk amount | Felony in the fifth degree | Fine up to $2,500, up to 1 year in prison |
| Bulk amount — 4.9 times the bulk amount | Felony in the third degree | Fine up to $10,000, up to 3 years in prison |
| 5 times the bulk amount — 49.9 times the bulk amount | Felony in the second degree | Fine up to $15,000, up to 8 years in prison |
| 50 times the bulk amount or more | Felony in the first degree | Fine up to $20,000, up to 11 years in prison |
A defendant found guilty of possessing a schedule III, IV or V CDS is charged with a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the bulk amount of the substance possessed.
| Amount Possessed | Charge | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Less than bulk amount | First offense: Misdemeanor in the first degree | Fine up to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail |
| Subsequent offense: Felony in the fifth degree | Fine up to $2,500, up to 1 year in jail | |
| Bulk amount — 4.9 times the bulk amount | Felony in the fourth degree | Fine up to $5,000, up to 3 years in prison |
| 5 times the bulk amount — 49.9 times the bulk amount | Felony in the third degree | Fine up to $10,000, up to 3 years in prison |
| 50 times the bulk amount or more | Felony in the second degree | Fine up to $15,000, up to 8 years in prison |
The penalties for heroin and cocaine possession are separated from other CDS penalties. Because both substances are extremely problematic in Ohio, violators can expect much more severe punishments in the form of high fines, long jail sentences or a combination of both.
Possession of marijuana for recreational use in Ohio is a crime. If a person is found with less than 100 grams, they are charged with a minor misdemeanor and charged a $150 fine. However, violators could face being charged with a felony if they're caught with at least 200 grams. The maximum sentence for marijuana possession is eight years in prison and a fine of $20,000.
In June 2016, Ohio became the 25th state to legalize medical marijuana. The laws, which take effect in September 2016, allow seriously and terminally ill patients to purchase and use medical marijuana. Until dispensaries within the state become active in 2017, patients can get special permission to travel to other states to obtain the drug.
Patients qualify for medical marijuana if they have the following conditions:
Ohio is part of the nation's High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, which works to strengthen drug control efforts among local, state and Federal law enforcement agencies. The Ohio HIDTA consists of Cuyahoga, Fairfield, Greene, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning, Montgomery, Stark, Summit and Warren counties. These counties are considered to be the most at-risk of the negative impacts drug trafficking organizations (DTO) can have.
Ohio's HIDTA specifically focuses on violent crimes associated with illicit drug use. Law agencies and officials work closely together, sharing intelligence on regional drug trends that could lead to finding and ending drug trafficking operations. The HIDTA program provides the state with state-of-the-art equipment and technology to combat its drug issues and ensure public safety.
Many states recognize that, regardless of the law, there will always be people who find a way to abuse drugs. Even if a person chooses to use drugs, they deserve the chance to avoid the risks of infection or injury.
Ohio is just one of many states with harm reduction programs and resources implemented to help its communities. These include naloxone training programs, clean syringe access centers and drug prevention education. By taking the steps needed to make residents aware of the state's drug issues, people can make safer choices, resist the temptation to try drugs and avoid falling victim to an addiction.
Building on its commitment to curb the increase of fatal drug overdoses, the state initiated Project DAWN. Project DAWN is a naloxone overdose education program that provides Ohio's communities with training on naloxone administration.
Participants in the program learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid-related overdoses, as well as learn to perform rescue breathing techniques and how to properly administer the life-saving medication.
Research shows that children and teens are 50 percent less likely to use drugs or alcohol when parents and adults talk to them about substance abuse. Ohio's “Start Talking!” initiative was launched to address the state's rates of substance abuse among adolescents. The program encourages having an open, honest dialogue with children and teens about the realities and consequences of substance abuse.
“Start Talking!” brings together four programs to help start the conversation between adults, kids and teens:
The Ohio opioid epidemic statistics are haunting. According to the Ohio Department of Health, the number of opioid-related deaths spiked from 296 in 2003 to 2,590 in 2015. This is a 775 percent increase in the span of just 12 years.
NBC News reports that Ohio is on track to reach 10,000 opioid overdoses by the end of 2018—a number higher than the entire nation in 1990. The reason? Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin.
Fentanyl is becoming increasingly popular in Ohio. Six out of eight regions in the state saw the availability of fentanyl increase in the first six months of 2017. As drug dealers continue to evolve to meet the demand of their clientele, the Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network notes that heroin is becoming harder to distinguish from more dangerous and potent drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil.
Fentanyl and carfentanil are responsible for growing overdose rates across the country. The Montgomery County Coroner's Office in Ohio found fentanyl present in 77.4 percent of the 168 drug-related deaths it processed during January and June 2017.
In 2015, Ohio physicians wrote 85.8 opioid prescriptions per 100 people, or 9.96 million prescriptions total. This number is far above the national average of 70.6 prescriptions per 100 people in 2015. Those who develop addictions to these powerful painkillers often end up turning to cheaper alternatives that are easier to get than a prescription, like heroin.
Heroin and opioid overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Ohio residents under the age of 55.
Hidden behind these bleak facts is the most chilling consequence of the opioid epidemic in Ohio. A record number of children are entering the foster care system after losing their parents to opioid overdose or addiction. In one Ohio county, the number of children in court custody quadrupled from 2014 to 2015, and kids continue to pour into the foster care system.
As the opioid epidemic has continued to grow, Ohio policymakers have had to work diligently to combat the ever-changing nature of this crisis. The governor of Ohio established the Governor's Cabinet Opiate Action Team to strategize how to combat opioid use across the state.
Since its inception, this team has implemented comprehensive, community-centered directives to help the state of Ohio, including:
These initiatives have helped decrease opioid prescriptions in the state by 3 million—a sign that, hopefully, things are moving in the right direction for Ohio.
Finding treatment for your addiction should be your number one priority. With hundreds of rehab facilities located in Ohio alone, you are sure to find a program that caters to your individual needs.
If you’re unsure about what to look for in a treatment center or what kind of program you need, call us and speak to an addiction treatment support specialist. They can help you find a facility and program that caters to your specific situation.
Due to the opioid crisis, many new rehab programs specialize in the treatment of heroin and prescription-opioid addiction. However, not everyone suffering from substance abuse is best served in an opioid-focused facility. Other factors can weigh heavily in the choice of rehab program, including:
Ohio is actively developing new strategies to reduce illegal drug sales and improve access to treatment. There are several services and programs offered by Ohio rehab centers shown to be especially successful, including:
For family members and friends struggling to convince a loved one that their addiction is a problem, a trained interventionist can help. A professional interventionist will help facilitate an honest and constructive conversation between family members and their loved one. When done in a safe space and with the help of a professional, an intervention can be a powerful tool used to encourage a loved one to seek addiction treatment.
Drug and alcohol detox is often the first stage of addiction treatment. This process allows the body to rid itself of all traces of drugs or alcohol. Depending on a person's drug of choice, how long they were addicted and how much they used, the length of detox can vary.
Detox and withdrawal can be uncomfortable and, at times, life-threatening. Due to this, the safest and most effective way to detox is through a medically supervised detox program. Medically supervised detox provides round-the-clock supervision to monitor and treat withdrawal symptoms.
Residential drug rehab programs in Ohio offer a compassionate environment where those who are struggling with addiction can overcome this disease. Inpatient drug rehab programs require patients to live on campus for the duration of their treatment. Patients participate in individual therapy, group therapy and an array of other activities that are all geared toward building addiction-recovery skills.
Those seeking an inpatient addiction treatment program will be able to find quality treatment options in Ohio, including specialized care such as:
Unlike residential rehab, outpatient treatment does not require patients to live on campus while attending treatment. While some patients begin at this level of care, outpatient drug rehab is more appropriate for people who have completed inpatient treatment and are looking for continued care.
Participating in an aftercare program can be highly beneficial for patients in recovery, especially during the beginning stages of sobriety. Aftercare provides essential support and continued care after a residential or outpatient treatment program. Aftercare programs will include services like long-term case management, group outings, group meetings and 24/7 on-call support.
An addiction treatment plan will look different for each individual, depending on their unique needs. Each patient works with their treatment team to create a comprehensive treatment plan that will work best for them.
Some of the most common therapies used in addiction treatment are:
As addiction treatment continues to evolve, providers are incorporating more forms of alternative therapy into their curriculum. Known as complementary therapies, these modalities are used alongside traditional therapies to promote spiritual and emotional growth and healing throughout addiction treatment.
Complementary therapies offered by addiction treatment centers may include:
While these alternative methods may not work for everyone, each patient can find an activity that enhances their time in treatment and improves their well-being.
How long an addiction treatment program lasts will vary based on the patient's needs. While most drug rehab programs offer treatment in 30-, 60- and 90-day increments, some Ohio addiction treatment centers have the ability to provide patients with care for up to a year.
To determine the best length of treatment for an individual, treatment providers should take the following elements into consideration:
The National Institute on Drug Abuse found that programs lasting 90 days or longer are the most effective.
The cost of treatment is one of the most common reasons people do not seek professional help for an addiction. While paying for treatment may seem like a lot of money, it's often a small price to pay compared to a lifetime of drug or alcohol abuse.
To make addiction treatment more attainable, treatment providers in Ohio will often accept private insurance.
Providers offering health insurance in Ohio may include:
A number of addiction treatment centers in Ohio accept Medicare or state-funded insurance. For those who will have to pay out-of-pocket, many programs will help patients secure a private loan to pay for treatment or set up a payment plan.
As you determine the cost of rehab in ohio, look at the expense as an investment in your future. Most recovery facilities are able to take partial payment through any company or private insurance plan you have. If you wish to review your eligibility and the expense of treatment in OH, dial our no-cost helpline to get direct and honest answers to your questions.
Whether your OH inpatient-residential alcohol, prescription and illicit drug addiction recovery with take ninety days or three months, beginning your treatment today improves your odds of getting and staying healthy. Determining a rehabilitation facility that can meet your needs before you ever arrive at the facility can also help immeasurably. When you're ready to book treatment, our helpline advisors can help you find the right location so you are happy with your choice.
If you need help paying for rehab, there are many options you can try:
Don’t let the cost of rehab stop you from getting the help you need. Research your options, talk to your insurance company, discuss payment options with individual rehab facilities, and ask for help from your friends and family.
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