From 1999-2019, opioid epidemic 2019 statistics reveal that nearly 400,000 people died from an opioid overdose. From 1990 to 1999, deaths involving opioid-based prescription medication skyrocketed. In 2010, the heroin epidemic re-ignited, and from 2013 to 2019, synthetic opioids were to blame for countless deaths. Furthermore, fentanyl has accounted for nearly 20,000 deaths since 2016. Opioid addiction treatment centers have seen a sharp rise in the number of clients that need professional care for opioid addiction. Substance abuse ranges from prescription medication to illicit street drugs, including Codeine, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Morphine, Opium, and Heroin.
The Opioid Epidemic 2019 Statistics by the Numbers
Here are some recent 2017 & 2018 statistics regarding the widespread use of and addiction to opioids:
- 130 people die daily from an opioid overdose
- Over 10 million people abuse prescription opioids
- 47,600 people died from an opioid overdose
- Two million people have a dependency or addiction to opioids
- Over 800,000 people consumed heroin in 2019
- Over 15,000 people died from an overdose to heroin in 2019
These are just partial statistics. Once you break down the numbers into each type of opioid, you get a clear picture of how bad the epidemic is. For instance, prescription medications far exceed illicit drugs in the number of people who are addicted.
Why Are People Overdosing on Opioids?
Something that the opioid epidemic 2019 statistics do not account for is why people are overdosing on opioids. For instance, most people do not understand how dangerous opioids can be. Doctors, pharmaceutical companies, and the industry at large still fail to adequately educate the public on how addictive and dangerous opioids are. In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that users would not form an addiction to medically-approved opioids. Even in 2019, some companies still refuse to acknowledge the epidemic or reverse their position on opioids. As such, more people are getting their hands on opioids through their doctor. Another reason why people overdose on opioids is that the effect they have on the brain/body wears off over time. Users have to increase the dosage to continue feeling the euphoric effects of opioids. Some users may ask for a dosage increase during their next prescription refill. Other users will find alternative ways of getting more pills. Either way, an increase in the dosage can lead to an overdose.
Will the Opioid Epidemic 2019 Statistics Worsen?
In some states, the opioid epidemic 2019 statistics have decreased. However, the majority of U.S. states have marked a drastic increase in heroin use over the last decade. NIDA, American Addiction Centers, CDC, and SAMHSA have suggested that the opioid epidemic will increase even more over the next five to ten years. The medical community, pharmaceutical companies, and government entities must work together to decrease the opioid distribution in the market. Furthermore, they must limit general access to the market. In addition, treatment centers and licensed professionals must develop new treatment strategies that promote long-term recovery without the threat of relapse. Sadly, public perception of opioids remains the same. Most people believe that opioids are more beneficial than harmful. Furthermore, more people continue to take opioids and increase their dosage despite the research that clearly shows the dangers of the substances. For this reason, treatment centers continue to see more and more clients for opioid addiction.
Get Help for Opioid Addiction Today
Regardless of the opioid epidemic 2019 statistics, there is hope for those who want to stop using opioids. You don’t have to become a statistic. If you are ready to quit using opioids, then contact The Ranch PA today. Call us at 717.969.9126 to start your treatment.
