Tragic Toll Of Opioid Epidemic Worse With Women

Death Toll Of Opioid Epidemic Continues To Increase, Rates Among Women Worsen

Tragic Toll Of Opioid Epidemic Worse With Women

There are a variety of reasons women have suffered more from the opioid epidemic. Prescription opioid doses are gender-neutral and generally are too high for a woman’s smaller body weight and build. Once addicted to opioids, statistics show women have a higher death rate. Women are the primary caregivers in most U.S. families, and their health and well-being affects the lives and futures of their children. Tens of thousands of babies have been born with symptoms of opioid addiction. Each of these children may experience long-term medical problems that increase the costs of both medical care and social programs.

Many states are recognizing the significance of gender-based disparities in health care and are making changes. Massachusetts is the first state to record a decline in overdose deaths and credits the dispensing of fewer prescriptions along with better emergency care as the main weapons in its battle with the opioid epidemic.

Opioid Epidemic Statistics

A report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in early 2017 indicates annual opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. are still climbing, with only one state reporting a decline. The primary differences in opioid epidemic statistics in this new report are the tripling of fatal heroin overdoses and the decline in overdose deaths from morphine, oxycodone, and methadone. The death rate from opioid overdose increased in all age groups, but the largest increase of deaths fell to adults between the ages of 55 and 64, and the greatest number of overdose deaths occurred in the group of adults between the ages of 45 and 54.

There is great concern among the medical community that the ages in the latest opioid epidemic statistics indicate an older population is being significantly affected. Veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder PTSD contribute to numbers in both groups. The availability of better psychiatric could reduce the number of opioid deaths associated with veterans. The statistics refer to both legally prescribed and illicit street versions of opioids (heroin being the most common).

Opioid Epidemic Definition

The best opioid epidemic definition is one of a national crisis and public health issue. Every community in the U.S. is affected by the epidemic and the majority of families have been touched by the tragedy of opioid abuse in some way. The leading cause of injury death in the U.S. is opioid overdose. It affects all socioeconomic groups and all races. Addiction is a serious disease that will continue to take thousands of lives annually until more people recognize the need for professional care and rehab. Individuals cannot make addiction go away simply by not wanting to be addicted.

The disease of addiction is not unlike asthma or diabetes. The severity of the disease dictates its medication requirements. Some type 2 diabetics are able to get off insulin when the disease can be controlled by good nutrition and counseling, but the illness is still there. Addiction treats its victims with the same conditions and indifference. Substance abuse can be controlled, and the patient can be in recovery for life. It’s important to remember it is only one pill, injection, smoke, or snort away from retaking a person’s life.

Better Addiction Care serves addicts and their families with a free advisory service to assist in locating and matching the right addiction treatment facilities with your needs. Realizing everyone’s needs are different, we will assess the needs of the individual in order to determine what facilities meet each unique patient’s situation. Call Better Addiction Care today at (800) 429-7690, and reduce the chance that your loved one will become a statistic.