cdc : declared in Prescription Opioid Overdose Data

Today, nearly half of all U.S. opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid.1 In 2015, more than 15,000 people died from overdoses involving prescription opioids. Most Commonly Overdosed OpioidsThe most common drugs involved in prescription opioid overdose deaths include:MethadoneOxycodone (such as OxyContin®)Hydrocodone (such as Vicodin®)4Overdose DeathsAmong those who died from prescription opioid overdose between 1999 and 2014:Overdose rates were highest among people aged 25 to 54 years. Overdose rates were higher among non-Hispanic whites and American Indian or Alaskan Natives, compared to non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics. Men were more likely to die from overdose, but the mortality gap between men and women is closing.5Additional RisksOverdose is not the only risk related to prescription opioids. Misuse, abuse, and opioid use disorder (addiction) are also potential dangers.

Dying From an Opioid Overdose Is More Common Than You Think

Dying From an Opioid Overdose Is More Common Than You ThinkSince 2000, the number of overdose deaths from drugs in the U.S. has risen more than 137%. Deaths from opioids—which include painkillers and heroin—make up a large portion of these deaths; 91 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. Between 20%-25% of the overdose death certificates Ruhm studied did not have any drug specified, suggesting that statewide estimates of deaths linked to opioids could be significantly off. To create this equation, Ruhm factored in demographic and socioeconomic factors, location of the death, the day of the week and more. Data on drug overdose deaths needs to be improved in order for health authorities to fully understand the crisis and respond effectively, Ruhm says.


A little more than a week after her only son died from an apparent overdose, Mayor Megan Barry appeared on CNN's The Lead With Jake Tapper this afternoon to speak openly about his struggles with addiction and the opioid epidemic facing the country. During the segment, a portion of which you can watch above, Barry discusses the decision she and her husband Bruce made to be transparent about their son's death. She says that while she doesn't know for sure, she believes that drug likely contributed to his death. In a press conference with reporters in Nashville on Monday, an emotional but direct Barry recalled the 3 a.m. knock on her front door two Saturdays ago. Two days later, hundreds crowded into the Belcourt Theatre near her home for a memorial.


collected by :Lucy William

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