Muskingum Behavioral Health Discusses Ohio’s Decline in Overdose Deaths

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Ohio health officials said the number of fatal drug overdoses in Ohio has declined for the first time since 2009.

In Muskingum County, this year so far, there have been 23 overdose deaths. Last year, there were 47. Although there is no exact reason to the decrease; Chief Executive Officer of Muskingum Behavioral Health, Steve Carrel said contributing factors could include things like narcan availability, general awareness, and more people wanting to choose recovery.

“I think there’s more people that are choosing recovery more than ever before. And they’re not only choosing recovery, they’re choosing to be very visible and very vocal about them being in recovery. And that gives folks who have the addictions hope that ‘I can have that too, and I can not only have that, but I can have it long term,'” said Carrel.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ohio’s decrease was more than four times the national decline of 5 percent. Carrel believes that is because Ohio has a greater focus on the drug epidemic than before.

“You’re constantly hearing about the drug epidemic. And not just hearing about the drug epidemic and all of the gory details of it, but what can we do? Ohio, historically, has been a very innovative state in dealing with addiction issues,” said Carrel.

The Muskingum Behavioral Health also holds Family and Friends groups discussing topic involving addiction. They are open to anyone in the community.