By: Lakeview Health
Drug use isn’t a new issue in the United States, but there’s no question that opioid use is on the rise. With millions of people at risk, billions of dollars on the line and no end in sight, now’s the time to seek education on the risks of opioid consumption and addiction. Taking a closer look at relevant statistics can reveal the ins and outs of this widespread epidemic in America and around the world.
Opioids Cause the Majority of Fatal Drug Overdoses
Every year, the number of drug overdoses increases. A number of substances can cause drug overdoses, and in particular fatal drug overdoses. However, opioids are the most common culprit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a staggering 60% of all drug overdoses result from opioid consumption. Clearly, opioid use poses a staggering risk.
Prescription Opioids Quadrupled in Two Decades
Contrary to popular belief, the opioid epidemic involves more than just heroin. In fact, opioid prescriptions also contribute to the epidemic. While there are certainly legitimate medical reasons for prescribing and taking opioid painkillers, non-medical use has spiraled out of control. Since 1999, prescription opioid consumption has quadrupled. In less than 20 years, this change has led to countless deaths and even more addictions.
580 New Heroin Users Emerge Daily
Although helpful, numbers sometimes fail to show the day-to-day impact and changes that a drug epidemic can bring. However, witnessing the daily changes firsthand can be staggering. In the United States alone, 580 new heroin users emerge daily. Some of these users begin using heroin without any prior drug use. However, many more gravitated to heroin because of a previous opiate prescription addiction that became too difficult or too expensive to fill.
650,000 Opioid Prescriptions are Filled Every Day in the USA
To put it into tangible numbers, there are over 650,000 opioid prescriptions filled every single day in the United States. By some estimates, this is enough for every man, woman and child in the country to take opioid drugs every single day. Clearly, the number of prescriptions reveals that not all consumption is medical, and much is a result of recreational use and addiction.
Nearly One-Quarter of All Heroin Users Become Addicted
Many users succumb to heroin’s addictive properties. While many factors lead to a drug addiction’s development, including factors like mental health and genetic predisposition, the substance itself also plays a role. The opioid epidemic continues to grow, but many treatment centers are on the frontline fighting against addiction. Lakeview Health is at the forefront of ending the opioid epidemic and helps men and women struggling with addiction, providing treatment and the necessary tools for lasting sobriety. Call us today at 866-704-7692.
