OHIO, USA — New data collected by a Michigan-based laboratory shows methamphetamine, cocaine, buprenorphine and fentanyl drug use are on the rise in Ohio and throughout the Midwest.
The study was compiled by Forensic Fluids Laboratories (FFL), using data from Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana from 2014-18. The study includes oral fluid drug testing results that FFL has been contracted to perform by state operated agencies, including the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Indiana Department of Child Services and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
As far as Ohio was concerned, some counties, such as Montgomery, Delaware and Wood, have positive cocaine rates more than double that of areas in Guernsey, Wayne and Muskingum. Many counties show rates of cocaine positives across all years examined by FFL.
Fentanyl use increased in areas surrounding Ohio’s more urban counties, especially in the northeast and southwest parts of the state.
This comes as Northeast Ohio stands on the front lines of the opioid crisis. Earlier this year, Cuyahoga and Summit counties reached a $260 million settlement with the "big three" distribution companies, which includes AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKessen. The counties have also a case against CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, HBC and Discount Drug Mart set for next year.
Fentanyl is an opioid commonly used for pain management in cancer patients. Fentanyl is considered one of the most potent opioid pain relievers prescribed, as it is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.
Total positive rates for all drugs increased in almost all Michigan counties, while in Indiana, the total number of counties showing a high positive methamphetamine rate increased from 4 to 29. Indiana's cocaine use decreased significantly.
“The data we collected through oral fluid testing is a strong indicator of the drug usage trends in both rural and urban counties throughout the Midwest,” Bridget Lorenz Lemberg, toxicologist and FFL Laboratory Director said in a statement. “By providing a deeper insight of drug use from state-to-state, we hope our data becomes a beneficial resource for local governing officials and law enforcement agencies as they work to address concerns in their communities.”