The stories and headlines are far too common these days, featuring individuals, families and communities devastated by opioid addiction. But with more than 100 Americans dying each day from opioid overdoses – in every city and town across the nation – it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t been personally impacted by this epidemic.
Unfortunately, new federal Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) data reveal that opioid overdoses continue to increase among men and women, most age groups, across all regions and in most states.
CDC’s latest Vital Signs report found that in just over a year, emergency department visits for suspected opioid overdoses increased 30 percent in all parts of the U.S. The most dramatic increase was in the Midwest, which saw a 70 percent jump in opioid overdoses.
In addition, our report revealed rate increases in every demographic group, including: men (30 percent); women (24 percent); people between the ages of 25 and 34 (31 percent); 35- to 54-year-olds (36 percent); and those 55 and older (32 percent).
Although CDC typically analyzes deaths from opioids, this report looked at recent emergency department visits for suspected opioid overdoses, most of which were nonfatal.
Research shows that people who have had at least one overdose are more likely to have another – and if that person is seen in the emergency room, we all have the opportunity to prevent a repeat overdose.
Local emergency departments can develop plans for all opioid overdose patients, including offering overdose prevention education, naloxone and related training for patients, family members and friends. They can also link patients to the appropriate follow-up treatment and services.
· Public safety and law enforcement can quickly identify changes in the illicit drug supply of an area, and coordinate responses with local partners, like public health departments.
As a doctor, I’m familiar with the complexities of pain management, and I’ve seen the devastating impact that opioid addiction can have on individuals, families and communities.
As a public health leader, I recognize the importance of data in planning treatment and prevention efforts. Having the right data available at the right time can help direct the right resources to the most impacted areas.
This epidemic does not distinguish by age, sex, or state and county lines, and it shows that we still have a lot of work to do to protect Americans from the dangers of opioids. But working together, we can fight this crisis and save lives.
