Our nation has always prided itself on being number one in many things such as education, health care, economy, and so forth. But, today, we have reached another claim to fame, but it’s not one to celebrate.
Researchers show that in the United States, drug overdose deaths more than tripled in the past 20 years. This sharp increase was driven mostly by the opioid epidemic.
Leading the Way in Drug Overdose Deaths: The Long-Term Impact
As of February 2019, the US ranks four times higher than 17 other wealthy nations in terms of overdose deaths. The drug epidemic is so severe in the US that it has affected the life expectancy rates. According to researchers at the University of Southern California’s Leonard School of Gerontology.
Americans are living 2.6 fewer years than people in other wealthy nations, putting our nation more than a decade behind life-expectancy levels in other high-income countries.”
This long-term impact of drug overdose deaths will continue to cause a ripple effect throughout society in a number of ways.
Impact on First Responders
The medical community feels the impact of the drug epidemic in dramatic ways. An overload of 911 calls can interfere with first responders reaching other patients who need treatment for strokes, heart attacks, injuries, or other emergencies.
Impact on Hospitals and ERs
Not only are first responders affected. For instance, emergency system resources are overloaded and drained by the increased number of patients arriving for overdose treatment. Emergency rooms and hospitals are also overwhelmed by the additional load on their resources. Sooner or later, the insurance costs are raised to cover this impact on medical resources.
Impact on Society
The substance abuse epidemic and resulting drug overdose deaths are having a tremendous impact on society. It affects individuals, families, and communities in many ways. Families are torn apart, and communities are robbed of the contributions these people could have made to the economy and well-being of the community as a whole. The epidemic also places a huge financial burden of federal, state, and local governments.
The economic impact of the drug epidemic by the numbers:
- Economic burden of $28.9 billion dollars in increased health care.
- Health insurance and Medicare and Medicaid fund over 14% of the costs of the drug epidemic.
- State and local governments share the burden of over 25% of the economic burden.
- The economic burden reaches more than $78.5 billion every year.
These numbers are shocking, but that’s not the end of the toll drug abuse is having on our nation. The human toll is even more distressing.
What the Statistics Reveal to Us
On any given day in the United States, here’s what happens:
- About 3,900 people start using prescription opioids for non-medical reasons.
- A whopping 650,000 opioid prescriptions are dispensed.
- At least 91 people die from drug overdose attributed to opioids.
These numbers don’t include the people who are injured or killed as a result of someone’ else’s drug-related crimes, murders, or accidents. We also need to consider the increasing number of children who grow up in homes with addicted parents, children who are removed from the home and placed in foster care or other arrangements, and children who are abused, neglected, and permanently scarred by a family member’s addiction.
Affordable, Effective Treatment Can be Part of the Solution
Many drug overdose deaths could be prevented if individuals get treatment. Unfortunately, most addicts believe that they can’t afford rehab. At Best Drug Rehabilitation, we work diligently to spread awareness and prevention information that will hopefully make a difference in the statistics. We also strive to help people find affordable, effective addiction treatment. If you or a loved one needs help for drug abuse, please contact us today. We will conduct a confidential assessment and recommend a treatment program that is right for your needs.
Resources
gero.usc.edu – American Drug Overdose Death Rates the Highest Among Wealthy Nations