Virtually everyone has heard about the opioid crisis in one way or another. However, it’s often viewed as a problem for a small portion of the population. In reality, opioid abuse can impact everyone, but an opioid detox could be your salvation. There is no demographic that is immune from its danger. These staggering statistics showcase the size and scope of the epidemic.
Prescription Opioid Abuse is More Common Than Many Think
Opioids aren’t just abused by a few thousand people. In the United States alone, more than 12 million people abuse prescription opioids. That number is shocking because it is just so big. It also highlights just how many people are using opioids in the country. Abuse doesn’t necessarily mean addiction, but it is often a stepping stone. A lot of people use expired opioids or borrow prescription painkillers from friends. They might take larger doses than are necessary or they might combine opioids with alcohol. All of these examples are signs of abuse, and they have to be taken seriously.
Prescription Opioids are a Gateway to Heroin Abuse
Prescription opioids are dangerous in their own right. However, they can also lead to heroin abuse. A whopping 86 percent of people who are addicted to heroin first started by abusing prescription opioids.
Opioid Addiction is on the Rise
While the opioid epidemic in America is getting plenty of media attention, there is not yet a noticeable decrease in abuse, addiction or overdose fatality statistics. More than two million Americans are dependent on prescription opioids and that number continues to rise at a worrying pace.
Opioid Overdoses Kill Thousands Annually
Overdose is always a risk anytime a person abuses opioids. Sadly, more than 33,000 opioid overdoses end in fatalities each year. Worse still, that number doesn’t include heroin overdose deaths. Simply put, that is far too many men and women who are dying because of opiate addiction.
The Opioid Crisis is Forecast to Worsen
The opioid epidemic is complex, and there are no easy solutions. What is clear, however, is that there is still plenty of work to be done. Without change, more than 500,000 people could die from opioid overdoses in the next decade. Awareness, education, and treatment are among the steps to country-wide recovery. If the opioid crisis is impacting you or someone you love, then a luxury detox may help. Serenity House Detox & Recovery is a facility for drug and alcohol addiction detox in Florida. Call 866-294-5306 to learn more about overcoming addiction and taking back control over your life, your health, and your future.