JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Opioid numbers in Arkansas sit highly as recovery center calls for reduced prescriptions and increased awareness.

New data from FAIR Health ranks Arkansas as the fourth in the country for opioid abuse disorders.

Program Coordinator Joseph Veer of Northeast Arkansas Regional Recovery Center said the facility sees significant opioid-related cases daily.

“We see a lot of opioid issues coming in the building whether it’s prescription opioids or synthetic, it is an issue,” Veer said.

In 2022, Arkansas had 72 opioid prescriptions per 100 people, according to Veer. He said prescription dependency often leads to more dangerous drug use.

“Opioids are overprescribed,” Veer explained. “People get put on these prescription opioids and they can’t get off of them or they

See Full Page