Mississippi Substance Abuse Statistics in 2024
Recognizing the need for substance abuse treatment can be challenging for many individuals. Stigma, denial, and a lack of understanding about addiction can prevent people from acknowledging their struggle and seeking the necessary assistance.
Effective treatment can help individuals overcome their dependence on substances and regain control of their lives. Despite the widespread nature of substance abuse, as evidenced by Mississippi’s substance abuse statistics, recovery is achievable. With the support of the dedicated professionals at a treatment center, you or a loved one can find a path to recovery and embrace a sober lifestyle.
Substance Abuse Statistics in Mississippi
During the 12 months from March 2023 to March 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 622 people died of drug overdoses in Mississippi. This was a decline of 9.86% from the 680 who died between March 2022 and March 2023. It was also significantly less than the 787 deaths reported overall in 2022. However, it is still considerably higher than the number of overdose deaths in 2012, when 310 overdose deaths were reported.
The substantial increase in overdose deaths from 2012 to 2022 can be partially explained by the opioid epidemic, which has swept the nation and Mississippi. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, oxycodone, and others, are highly addictive and can be deadly. The drop in overdose deaths from 2021 to the present can largely be attributed to the availability of naloxone distributed by state agencies and health care providers. It is a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. For instance, in reaction to increasing deaths among college students, the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Mississippi announced they were providing Narcan, the name brand of naloxone, on campus to prevent student deaths from opioid overdoses.
Opioids are not the only substance that can have potentially fatal consequences. Each year, an average of 1,372 deaths in the state are related to alcohol use.
Other drugs, including methamphetamines, cocaine, and heroin, are also often involved in overdose deaths. In some cases, people who overdose have multiple substances in their systems. These statistics demonstrate the challenge presented by substance use disorders for Mississippians and the need for compassionate treatment to save lives.
The Mississippi Drug Abuse Surveillance System of the State Department of Health published an epidemiological report in 2022 that analyzed overdose deaths between 2011 and 2020. The findings illustrate how substance abuse and deaths skyrocketed during that period and reveal the following information:
- Opioids accounted for 69% of all overdose deaths in 2020.
- Synthetic opioids (fentanyl, oxycodone, etc.) accounted for 53% of overdose deaths in 2020.
- Amphetamines were involved in 39% of overdoses in 2020.
- Cocaine was involved in 11% of overdose deaths in 2020.
- Polysubstance abuse was involved in 53% of overdose deaths in 2020 as compared to 17.9% in 2011.
Factors Contributing to the Substance Abuse Crisis in Mississippi
Fentanyl has become widely available and is a particularly dangerous synthetic opioid. While doctors might prescribe fentanyl to individuals for severe pain or after surgery, illicit drug makers also can manufacture it.
This drug is highly addictive and is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Coming into contact with even a tiny amount of fentanyl can cause an overdose and death.
Overprescribing synthetic opioids to clients has also contributed to the substance abuse epidemic in Mississippi. Opioid manufacturers told doctors for years that their drugs were safe and non-addictive when the reality was different. This led to doctors overprescribing synthetic opioids in the early 2000s, resulting in a wave of addiction. Mississippi was the first state to file a lawsuit against several opioid manufacturers, resulting in a settlement the state negotiated with three companies in 2021.
While the medical community now strives to limit the number of opioid prescriptions doctors write, some addicted people doctor-shop to obtain more. This occurs when a person goes to multiple doctors to obtain a prescription after their primary care physician has denied more refills. Some people also obtain prescription opioids on the street when they can’t get them from doctors.
Opioids are not the only problem in Mississippi. Some residents have long struggled with methamphetamine abuse. This drug is cheap and easily accessible. Crystal methamphetamine is common in the state and is often trafficked into the region from elsewhere by criminal drug cartels.
Other factors contributing to the substance abuse crisis in Mississippi include:
- Abuse and trauma in childhood
- Poverty
- Co-occurring mental health disorders
- Genetic factors and family history of substance abuse
- Impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors
- Poor coping skills
Why Substance Use Disorder Requires Treatment
At a macroeconomic level, encouraging the treatment of those suffering from substance use disorders makes economic sense. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates the annual economic cost of alcohol abuse in the nation is $249 billion, and the annual cost of illicit drug abuse is $193 billion.
At an individual level, people who suffer from substance use disorders face numerous challenges in daily life. Their family and other relationships might break down because of their addictions. They might lose jobs and struggle to find new employment, and they may commit crimes to try to secure more drugs. People struggling with addiction also suffer negative health consequences related to their drug abuse.
Medical researchers have discovered several effective treatments for people with substance use disorders. Substance use disorders can be managed and controlled through a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), individual and group therapy, and positive lifestyle changes. Substance use disorder treatment may also include therapy for co-occurring mental health disorders.
Understanding Relapse
Many people with substance use disorders relapse after undergoing treatment. This doesn’t mean that treatment was unnecessary. For many people, relapsing is a part of their recovery process. However, substance abuse treatment methods are focused on helping people avoid relapse so their disorder isn’t cyclical.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that individuals with substance use disorders have average relapse rates ranging from 40% to 60%. These rates are comparable to the relapse rates of other chronic health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
Withdrawal Symptoms
People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol often continue using them and fail to seek treatment despite the negative consequences because they fear suffering withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms occur when an individual stops using a substance their body has grown dependent on. Withdrawal symptoms vary based on the individual’s substance of choice, but they can be very uncomfortable.
Some common withdrawal symptoms people might suffer include:
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Abdominal cramps
- Insomnia
- Shaky hands
- Seizures
Withdrawal symptoms can last for days to weeks and can be dangerous. This makes it essential to seek help when deciding to quit. Defining Wellness Centers and other reputable treatment centers in Mississippi offer medical detox programs that provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Medical professionals provide medications that alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal and closely monitor clients to make sure they remain safe and comfortable.
Seeking treatment at Defining Wellness Centers allows people to medically detox to minimize withdrawal symptoms and benefit from a holistic treatment approach focused on recovery. Medical detox provides the care and support you need for physical withdrawal while stopping substance use and is critical before you move on to dealing with the psychological issues associated with addiction.
Psychological Dependence vs. Physical Dependence
Substance use disorders involve both psychological dependence and physical dependence. Physical dependence on a substance refers to the body’s becoming dependent on it to function.
Psychological dependence involves feeling the need to continue using a substance despite negative consequences. While the symptoms can vary from person to person, the most common indicators of psychological dependence include:
- Believing they need the substance to perform activities like sleeping, public speaking, or socializing
- Constantly thinking about the substance
- Losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed
- Devoting a significant amount of time to using the substance
- Experiencing intense cravings for the substance
Evidence-Based Therapy for Psychological Dependence
Evidence-based therapies effectively treat individuals with substance use disorders who struggle with psychological dependence. These therapies are grounded in rigorous research and have been successfully used to manage and overcome drug addiction.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Numerous studies have found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for the treatment of substance use disorders. Therapists use CBT to help people change harmful thinking patterns and replace them with positive ones. Clients are taught to identify distorted thinking and understand how it contributes to maladaptive behaviors.
CBT also helps people develop coping mechanisms and address fears through gradual exposure to difficult situations. Therapists might use role-playing as a tool in this therapeutic modality and teach relaxation techniques to help individuals manage feelings of anxiety or stress.
Medication-Assisted Therapy
Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) combines medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with counseling and therapy to treat people with substance use disorders. This includes medical detox during the initial withdrawal phase and further medication during recovery to help with psychological dependence. The medications are prescribed by doctors who monitor the individual’s progress.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a structured psychotherapeutic approach used to help people regulate intense emotions. Commonly used by substance use counselors and therapists in group sessions, DBT helps clients learn how to cope with their feelings during difficult situations.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a technique therapists use to guide people and help them increase their motivation to make necessary changes. The therapist initially works to build rapport between themselves and the individual. Once the two have established a good rapport, the client can address feeling ambivalent about treatment and behavioral changes. Motivational interviewing views feelings of ambivalence as a natural part of behavioral change.
Talk to the Professional Substance Use Counselors at Defining Wellness Centers
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, you are not alone. Millions of Americans face similar challenges, but help is available. Defining Wellness Centers in Mississippi incorporates evidence-based treatments to help people recover from substance use. We also understand the importance of involving the whole person and taking a holistic approach. Our treatment is person-centered and tailored to meet your individual needs.
We offer inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, and partial hospitalization options. We also provide aftercare support to help you maintain your sober lifestyle. If you are struggling with substance use disorder or have a loved one who is, contact us at Defining Wellness Centers today to get started.
