Idaho has seen, like the rest of the United States, a surge in opioid overdose deaths. In 2020, Idaho saw 164 deaths due to opioid overdoses. 

In order to avoid Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome(NAS) or neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), huge changes are needed. Hospital costs for NAS/NOWS keep increasing by millions as babies born with these conditions increase, directly caused by recreational drugs and abuse of prescription opioids by pregnant mothers. 

As the alarming rate of opiate deaths continues, it indicates ineffective rehab services and a lack of control related to prescription and recreational drugs by law enforcement. However, the Idaho Response to Opiate Crisis, the IROC project, seeks to fight this problem. 

Niki Forbing-Orr, spokeswoman for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare states, “The best way to get treatment for folks, whether it’s for mental health or substance abuse disorders, is to get them access to a benefit, whether it’s through Medicaid expansion or something else.”

The Idaho state health agency has decided to cut its spending on substance abuse treatment due to a budget shortfall that has surprised everyone.  Healthcare providers have reported that the cut has prevented many people from getting treatment, affecting between 33% to 80% of drug abuse patients. 

The question remains, should Idaho be allocating more funds to the opiate crisis?