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In Austin, Texas, opioid use and overdose have become significant public health concerns, with fentanyl being a primary contributor. The city recently experienced one of its largest overdose outbreaks, linked to a deadly batch of narcotics that circulated widely.
Efforts to combat this crisis include increased availability of Narcan and targeted enforcement by law enforcement agencies to address the distribution of illicit substances.
Key Statistics on Opioid Use in Austin:
- Between April 29 and May 1, 2024, there were over 67 suspected opioid overdose cases, resulting in multiple deaths.
- The rise in opioid-related incidents is reflected in Travis County's high fentanyl-related death rate, which stood at approximately 14 deaths per 100,000 people in 2023.
- Young to middle-aged adults in Austin face the highest risk of opioid-related problems, with gender differences in usage patterns and outcomes.
Opioid Overdose Statistics in Austin
In 2022, Austin-Travis County witnessed a drastic surge in opioid-related incidents:
- Austin-Travis County EMS responded to 1,431 suspected opioid overdoses
- 1,089 opioid overdoses were reported from EMS calls and encounters
- 1,040 opioid overdoses were reported from emergency department visits
- 118 fatal opioid overdoses involved fentanyl, marking a dramatic increase from previous years
Demographic Data & Insights
The opioid crisis in Austin affects various age groups, races, and genders differently. Here are some insights:
- Young and middle-aged adults are at highest risk for opioid-related issues.
- Women, particularly young and middle-aged, show an elevated risk for chronic pain leading to opioid use.
- Men are more likely to experience opioid-related deaths from using diverted pills.
- Hispanic individuals may be disproportionately affected due to Austin’s demographic makeup.
- Non-Hispanic white populations historically show higher rates of opioid prescriptions.
- Black communities face increasing impact from synthetic opioids.
- Lower-income neighborhoods may experience higher rates of opioid-related issues
Common Opioids & Changing Trends
Fentanyl has emerged as the primary driver of opioid overdoses in Austin. This synthetic opioid is extremely potent, up to 50 times stronger than heroin, making it particularly dangerous. Recent toxicology reports from overdose cases in Austin have consistently shown the presence of fentanyl.
The opioid landscape in Austin is dynamic, with new trends emerging:
- Increased presence of synthetic opioids in the drug supply
- Rising co-use of stimulants (like cocaine and methamphetamine) with opioids
- Potential for new synthetic opioid analogs entering the market
In a recent opioid overdose outbreak:
- 9 people died in what officials termed Austin’s deadliest overdose event in nearly a decade
- Patients of all ages were affected
- Emergency calls came from businesses, residences, and public areas
- No victims were under the age of 18
This outbreak highlights the indiscriminate nature of opioid addiction, affecting individuals across various demographics and locations within the city.
State Funds & Resource Allocation
Austin Public Health (APH) has launched a comprehensive opioid dashboard to provide critical data on the opioid crisis in Austin and Travis County. This powerful tool offers valuable insights into the local opioid epidemic, enabling community members, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to access and analyze crucial information.
One of the most critical interventions is the widespread distribution of naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses:
- Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) has been distributing naloxone kits for years.
- A recent $2 million federal appropriation will fund an additional 7,500 naloxone kits (15,000 individual doses).
- The “Breathe Now” training program, developed by ATCEMS Assistant Chief Steve White, teaches individuals to recognize opioid overdoses, administer naloxone, and care for victims until first responders arrive.
Austin is also working to increase access to evidence-based treatment options:
- Partnerships are being formed to expand access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) like buprenorphine and methadone.
- The Community Health Paramedic Program partnership has been expanded to provide more comprehensive care.
- Efforts are underway to increase the capacity of physicians and clinics to offer evidence-based treatment for opioid and stimulant use disorders.
The city is also working on policy changes to support its opioid response:
- Updating the legislative agenda to support legislation like legalizing fentanyl test strips.
- Opposing bills that increase criminal punishment for individuals experiencing an overdose.
- Advocating for policies that address root causes of opioid overdose, such as improving access to addiction treatment and mental health services.
Resource & Support Groups in Austin
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in Austin
- SMART Recovery in Austin
- Infinite Recovery Drug Rehab
- This center offers a full continuum of care, including detox, residential inpatient treatment, and partial hospitalization, using the twelve-step method and holistic approaches.
- Address: 1524 S I-35 Frontage Road, Unit 201, Austin, TX 78704
- Nova Recovery Center
- Provides comprehensive treatment with a focus on both in-person and online intensive outpatient programs (IOP), addressing various addictions through clinically proven and holistic methods.
- Address: 7501 East Highway 290, Austin, TX 78752
- Austin Recovery
- Specializes in personalized treatment plans that include detox, residential care, and aftercare, with a focus on building coping strategies and emotional resilience.
Address: 8402 Cross Park Drive, Austin, TX 78754
- Specializes in personalized treatment plans that include detox, residential care, and aftercare, with a focus on building coping strategies and emotional resilience.
- BRC Recovery
- Offers long-term residential treatment and a strong emphasis on the twelve-step program, helping clients develop a deep understanding of their addiction.
- Address: 11503 Parsons Road, Manor, TX 78653
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not have insurance, the cost can vary based on the prescribed dose. Patients unable to afford buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) (regardless of insurance coverage) can apply for cost-assistance. The company that makes Suboxone offers this type of program to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. To learn more, go to: inSupport program.
You can also get discounted buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) using pharmacy coupons or cash prizes. If you go to the GoodRx website (goodrx.com), you can enter in your zip code and find coupons and discounts at your pharmacy of choice. (On average, if you use GoodRx coupons/discounts, you can slash the typical price of generic Suboxone film from $395 to $118).
Before you are prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), you will need to undergo an initial medical evaluation so that the doctor can ensure that it is an appropriate medication for you, though this does not require an in-person visit and can be done via telehealth (with video or telephone).
Once you have completed this assessment, the doctor will send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy. So, yes! You can find a licensed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) provider online and they can get you started on it via telehealth services without any in-person appointments.
- Buprenorphine/naloxone (Subxone) which is available in outpatient clinics (at your primary care doctor’s office or a psychiatrist’s office)
- Naloxone (Vivitrol) which is available in outpatient clinics (at your primary care doctor’s office or a psychiatrist’s office)
- Methadone, which is available only through methadone clinics
If you are interested in Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) offered entirely through telehealth services, visit bicyclehealth.com. To get help on finding other treatment options and levels of care (such as inpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs/IOPs, residential programs, and methadone clinics), call the SAMHSA helpline at:
1-800-662-HELP (4357).