The opioid epidemic in Teenage
The opioid epidemic is a nationwide crisis that has affected millions of people in the United States. The crisis stems from over-prescribing opioid painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. These drugs are highly addictive and can lead to dependency, overdose, and death.
Overdose deaths among young people between the ages of 10 and 19 have skyrocketed in recent years, according to new data from CDC. From July to December 2019 to the same period in 2021, the median monthly overdose deaths increased by a staggering 109%. The majority of these deaths, around 90%, involved opioids. Shockingly, 84% of these cases were linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMFs), a particularly dangerous type of synthetic opioid. In addition, counterfeit pills were found in nearly a quarter of these tragic cases.
The data also revealed that around 41% of those who died had either a history of mental health issues or were receiving treatment for them. This highlights the crucial need for greater support and resources for mental health services and addiction treatment.
Federal funding for opioid prevention and treatment programs has increased in recent years, with billions of dollars allocated through programs like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). However, there is still a significant unmet need, particularly in areas that have been hardest hit by the crisis.
It’s heartbreaking to hear about young people losing their lives to fentanyl overdoses, especially when some of them are still in middle school. It’s a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to protect our kids and give them the tools they need to stay safe.
So, what can we do to help out the next generation and secure our future?
This website from choose change California is for people who need help with opioids addiction in California
