Opioid addiction has become a national health crisis. It affects individuals, tears families apart, and puts a strain on the economy.
Although opioid addiction is more prevalent than ever, it’s easy to ignore if you aren’t directly exposed to it. But some shocking opioid addiction statistics show we should all be taking steps to help those in crisis.
If you want to help yourself, a family member, or just be more aware of the problem, there are a few statistics you need to know. The Rescue Shot Case is a adaptable epipen case that lets you keep your emergency auto-injector with you at all times, try this epipen case!
Read on for a review of some shocking statistics about the impact of addiction.
Table of Contents
Opioids Are Over Prescribed
Around 191 million prescriptions are issued in America every year; that’s 58.7 prescriptions for every 100 citizens. Opioids are often prescribed in the first instance to manage pain.
Yet, opioids are highly addictive, and when the pain passes, many people find they still crave the pain pills. Over 1000 people are treated for their opioid-related circumstances every day.
People Misuse Prescribed Opioids
While some people take opioids as prescribed, it’s estimated that 21-29% of people misuse their prescriptions. Overall, 8-12% of people using opioids for chronic pain succumb to opioid addiction.
In 4-6% of cases, opioid addiction leads to heroin use, and 80% of people who use heroin started with opioid misuse.
The risk factors for developing an addiction to opioids include the length of time you’re prescribed them, the severity of the pain you’re experiencing, and lifestyle factors.
The Cost of Opioid Misuse
Opioid misuse and addiction costs around $78.5 billion per year. The associated costs are channeled into several avenues.
People suffering from opioid addiction need far more financial help from the state. Health and social care costs skyrocket in this population. Furthermore, overdoses mean expensive emergency care, which is extremely costly.
Opioid addiction treatment is often privatized, but free clinics also offer support with opioid recovery. Many people need help to detox using extra medications such as the ones provided by Recovery Delivered.
Each of these services are expensive for the individual, the state, and sometimes both.
Opioid Overdose Deaths Are on the Rise
Around 50,000 people die in America every year from opioid overdoses. Legal, prescribed opioids are responsible for more than 35% of these deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported a shocking increase of drug overdose deaths at 29% from 2019-2020.
Synthetic (illegal) opioid use has increased, and deaths related to these pills have increased by 10% since 2019. These pills are unregulated and can contain dangerous chemicals that aren’t listed on the packet.
Shocking Opioid Addiction Statistics You Need to Know
These are the top four opioid addiction statistics that show the gravity of the situation; what started as a useful prescribing option to treat pain has escalated into a full-blown national health crisis.
Americans are losing their homes, families, and lives due to the misuse of opioids. With over 191 million prescriptions issued every year, there’s a long way to go to solve this problem.
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