CleanSlate recently posted a piece talking about fentanyl and how it has been impacting Kentucky. As a local provider, they wanted to shed light on how substance use has been affecting their community. With locations in Bowling Green, they’ve seen much of the impact first-hand and took the time in the article to put into words exactly what has been happening in the past years.
Fentanyl has been on the rise across the United States, and Kentucky is no exception. What CleanSlate sought to do with this piece, however, was to showcase how it’s affecting people on a local level. When numbers are spoken of in a broad sense, their impact can be lessened, or readers might feel like it’s not something that is impacting them, even if it’s impacting others.
“Kentucky was ranked 4th in the highest number of opioid overdose deaths per capita in 2021,” CleanSlate stresses at the start of the blog. “From 2020 to 2021, the number of opioid overdose deaths in Kentucky increased by nearly 15% from 1,964 to 2,250… 72.5% of all overdose deaths in the state involved fentanyl. By far, the county with the highest number of overdose deaths involving fentanyl was Jefferson County with 453 deaths.”
The next portion of the piece takes the time to explain what fentanyl is, so readers can know where it’s coming from or where they might encounter it. “Fentanyl is used in pharmaceutical settings primarily for pain relief. Because of its potency, it’s not often used until other options have been explored and found to be ineffective. Most often the people who are prescribed fentanyl are cancer patients or post-surgical patients, and usually only when other pain relief measures have not been effective.”
“Any substance has the potential to be dangerous, especially when used against medical advice,” CleanSlate warns. “Both prescription and illicit fentanyl are highly potent, fully synthetic opioids. Many of the same effects can be felt from both forms. The biggest difference between the two is their safety levels. No form of illicit drug use is safe.”
As a rehab center with experience treating opioid use disorders, CleanSlate wants readers to truly understand how fentanyl use disorders can occur and what harm can come from them. “Fentanyl use disorders develop over time with long-term use. Fentanyl, like other opioids, has intense cravings involved with the withdrawal process. These cravings can increase the chance of continued fentanyl use. A fentanyl use disorder comes with long-term side effects like mood instability and respiratory impairment.”
CleanSlate takes the time to talk with readers about prescription fentanyl, as well. When readers see multiple pieces talking about the dangers of fentanyl, they might feel unsafe should they ever receive a fentanyl prescription. “It’s important to remember that fentanyl has been approved by the FDA for certain medical purposes. When you take medication as prescribed and are open with your doctor about your side effects and concerns, your risks decrease greatly.”
Finishing up the piece, CleanSlate offers solutions for how the fentanyl crisis in Kentucky can be addressed. Even the average reader can help play a part in reducing the number of people impacted by fentanyl use. Check out the blog piece to learn more.
For those seeking outpatient treatment options, CleanSlate is here. With locations in Bowling Green, KY, they offer flexible and dedicated services to help on the road of recovery. No matter when someone decides to get started, CleanSlate will work with clients to set up a comprehensive plan dedicated to their specific needs. Check out their website to get started today.
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For more information about Clean Slate Centers - Bowling Green, contact the company here:
Clean Slate Centers - Bowling Green
Amy Doane
270-467-7180
adoane@cleanslatecenters.com
944 Searcy Way Bowling Green KY
