Opioid Epidemic Leads to Higher Organ Donations, Admissions to New Hampshire Rehab Centers
The country’s opioid epidemic has resulted in thousands of overdose deaths nationwide, and is continuing to drive admissions to New Hampshire rehab centers that treat opioid addiction. Recently, the state has found that organ donations are more prevalent on behalf of opioid overdoses that leave some patients without fully functioning brains. While this finding may be positive for those in need of healthy organs, health care agencies throughout the state remain concerned about the ongoing opioid crisis and its impact on residents.
If you’re addicted to opioids and live in New Hampshire, understand that it’s not too late to get help and lower your risk for an overdose. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about local rehab centers that can help you or your loved one overcome opioid dependency and addiction.
Using Organs From Overdose Victims to Save Lives
Many organ donations in New Hampshire are now coming from drug overdose victims.
Organ donations in New England have increased by 900% since 2010, with more than 27% of those donations coming from individuals who died from drug overdoses, says local news sources. On a national level, only 12% of organ donations are from those who suffered overdoses. Alexandra Glazier, president and CEO of the New England Organ Bank, says the opioid epidemic offers an unexpected “life-saving legacy” in terms of organ donations, and that many transplant centers in the region are highly aggressive with finding matches for patients with failing organs.
Dr. Mohamed Akoad at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington says some patients in need of organs will hesitate at the idea of accepting organs from drug overdose victims out of fear the organs are damaged and unhealthy. However, Akoad says all donors are thoroughly tested to rule out potential risks, and that patients face a higher risk of dying by passing on organs donated by drug overdose victims.
Additionally, Dr. Jay Fishman, associate director of the transplant center at Mass General in Boston, says organs from drug users are often healthier than those of non-addicts — especially those from younger individuals who were first-time drug users. Sadly, first-time opioid users can easily suffer an overdose after taking large doses, or using highly potent opioids such as fentanyl or carfentanil.
Treating Opioid Addiction at New Hampshire Rehab Centers
Opioid addiction is often difficult to overcome on one’s own due to the way these drugs interfere with the brain and cause physical dependence. Many struggling addicts try to quit using opioids without help or medical intervention, but relapse after experiencing severe discomfort in the form of cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This leads to ongoing opioid use, which increases the risk for an overdose, as well as the risk for coma or death when addicts experience organ failure.
Fortunately, drug rehab centers that treat opioid addiction can help patients safely withdraw from opioid use without experiencing intense cravings or withdrawal symptoms. In many cases, rehab centers offer medications designed to mimic the physical effects of opioids without producing the same “high” or feelings of euphoria. This allows patients to glide more comfortably and successfully through counseling and therapy so they can overcome opioid addiction with fewer distractions and less discomfort.
If you are addicted to painkillers or heroin, understand there are several drug rehab centers throughout New England that can help you become healthier and clean from opioids. Call our helpline at 888-414-2380 to speak with a treatment specialist who can help you find New Hampshire rehab centers that offer programs for opioid addiction.
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