The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has released its preliminary death count for 50 states and Washington DC. In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans have died of drug overdoses. This is about a seven percent increase from 2017, and over the last decade drug deaths have risen twofold. They warn that these numbers are conservative because some investigations are not finished, and the real number may be higher.
The Bad
According to this report, opioids contributed to 49,068 or around 68 percent of the overdose deaths. This death rate has risen 4.1-fold from 2002. According to Lauren Rossen, who co-wrote the report, “The most striking patterns at the national level are the recent increases in the numbers of drug overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (excluding methadone)”.
Fentanyl and similar synthetic opioids were connected to 30,000 overdose deaths, 22 times higher than in 2002. Overdose deaths from prescription pain relievers has nearly doubled from 2002 to 2011 but the rate has remained stable since then. Deaths from cocaine has also increased by 3.5-fold.
Deaths from synthetic opioids isn’t occurring equally throughout the US. It is worse in the Midwest and Eastern US. The Western US more often sees overdose deaths from methamphetamine instead.
The Good
There is some good news though. There is an increased effort in generating awareness about prescription medication abuse. There’s also an increasing availability of naloxone, the opioid overdose antidote. Also, many states are taking steps to avoid overprescribing opioids.
If you are addicted to opioids, please don’t become one of these statistics. Get help, and work with our team to go through an opiates detox program here in Florida. We can work with you to help you address the core of the problem and to create a plan for a lifestyle that will help you manage your pain and work to prevent relapse. Call us today at (833) 596-3502.
