The Growing Percentage Of Males And Females With Substance Use Disorder

Opioid use in the US has increased over the years, and this has led to an increase in substance abuse. Substance abuse is not only associated with use of illicit drugs but also prescription drugs. In 2015, of the 20.5 million reported cases of substance abuse, 2 million had an abuse disorder related to prescription pain relievers and 591,000 associated with heroin.1 The increase in substance abuse disorder has led to an increase in opioid related death. In 2015 drug overdose was the leading cause of accidental death in the US with 52, 404 lethal drug overdoses.2

Opioid drugs are some of the most widespread pain medications that we have in this country; indeed, the fact is that opioid analgesic prescriptions have increased by over 300% from 1999 to 2010 (Mitch 989). Consequently, the number of deaths from overdose increased from 4000 to 16,600 a year in the same time frame (Mitch 989). This fact becomes even more frightening when you think about today; the annual number of fatal drug overdoses in the Unites States now surpasses that of motor vehicle deaths (Alexander 1865). Even worse, overdose deaths caused by opioids specifically exceed those attributed to both cocaine and heroin combined (Alexander 1865).

Analysis: According to the Center for Disease Control, in Florida, there was over 3,200 deaths from opioid overdoses, and opioids account for the most overdose deaths in the United States (“Opioid Overdose,” 2016).

The United States currently faces an unprecedented epidemic of opioid addiction. This includes painkillers, heroin, and other drugs made from the same base chemical. In the couple of years, approximately one out of twenty Americans reported misuse or abuse of prescriptions painkillers. Heroin abuse and overdoses are on the rise and are the leading cause of injury deaths, surpassing car accidents and gun shots. The current problem differs from the opioid addiction outbreaks of the past in that it is also predominant in the middle and affluent classes. Ultimately, anyone can be fighting a battle with addiction and it is important for family members and loved ones to know the signs. The cause for this epidemic is that the current spike of opioid abuse can be traced to two decades of increased prescription rates for painkillers by well-meaning physicians.

In Florida alone, thousands of Americans die every year due to the struggles of opioid addiction. According to Becker’s Hospital Review 1,399 (Rappleye) Floridians die each year from prescription or heroin overdose. Many families are affected by opioid

The United States is currently in the midst of an Opioid overdose epidemic. Deaths from overdoses of prescription drugs continue to be the leading cause of unintentional death for Americans. Last year, 47,055 people died from drug overdoses - 1.5 times greater than the number killed in car crashes. Overdose is an excessive and very dangerous dose of a drug. Opioids are substances that act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects. Medically, they are primarily used for pain relief. The most commonly prescribed opioid medications are Vicodin, OxyContin, and Percocet. Drug overdoses can be either accidental or intentional. They occur when a person takes more than the medically recommended dose. Treatments for overdose include medications

al, 2010). By conducting an assessment on patients, the practitioner will be better able to assess for risk factors that could lead to use or abuse of the prescribed opioid. There have been numerous risk factors identified with substance abuse however, this review will look specifically at the risk factors associated with opioid use (CITE). The following risk factors will be reviewed: being prescribed opioids, being diagnosed with a mental health disorder and history of victimization. While this review looks at specific risk factors for opioid addiction, it should be noted that multiple populations have been identified as at risk for opioid addiction, specific populations are as follows: pregnant women, veterans and incarcerated individuals

As the war on drugs continues, more and more lives are being lost to opiate overdoses. Opiates are drugs that contain or are derived from the opium poppy plant. They can be legally prescribed pain medications such as OxyContin or Vicodin or illegal street drugs such as heroin. Whether these drugs are used legally or illegally, there is always the chance of an overdose if not used correctly. According to a 2014 press release from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “in 2013 more than 16,000 deaths in the United States involved prescription opioids, and more than 8,000 others were related to heroin.”

As of 2014, 20,000 deaths were associated with narcotics and prescription drug overdoses in the United States. The most recent death of Prince has continued to keep the conversation of drug overdoses. Many patients use prescription drugs to control pain especially those with cancer. Drugs used to help patients can cause a serious addiction and may become dangerous with abuse.

Substance abuse is a significant public health issue across the United States today, especially regarding our nation’s youth. The United States consistently continues to have the highest levels of substance use among all other developed countries and has remained third in regards to alcohol consumption (CDC, 2013). Despite leading the world with drug research, illegal drug policy, and one of the highest legal drinking age mandates, the U.S has the highest rates of illegal drug use and abuse, especially pertaining to marijuana, cocaine and prescription painkillers (Healthy Americans Organization, 2013). Nationally, drug overdose deaths have doubled in 29 states since 1999, with Massachusetts having the 32nd highest rate in the country (Healthy Americans Organization, 2013). A large percentage of drug use is reportedly by adolescents, beginning as young as 12 years old (Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, 2012). Recent statistics show that teenage drug abuse has been on the rise for the past decade with 50 percent of high school seniors reportedly having used an illicit substance of some kind (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014). Furthermore, 1 in 10 teens report using marijuana about 20 times per month and 1 in 5 teens reportedly have taken prescription pain killers recreationally (CASA, 2011). According to the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (2012), almost 8 percent of adolescents in Massachusetts, ranging from 12-17years of age, suffer from substance dependence

Elvis was known for having trouble with drug abuse. At the time of his death, there were about ten different drugs found in his system. At a very young age he would also steal diet pills from his mother. Throughout his whole life he was known to try many drugs including Placidyl, Percodan, Dexedrine, and many more. Elvis' drug abuse contributed to his death.

As a larger society we tend to think of dying as people “dying” from physical illness or “dying” from disease. Given the fact that opioid addicted individuals are dying, it helps us to make sense of the problem and we have come to understand the opiate abuse epidemic as a public health issue. When we are able to see the problem as a health issue rather than a weakness or choice, then we can begin to enact changes in the way we treat this disease. The current epidemic has continued to spiral further out of control, receiving substantial attention and focused opportunities for improvement on the political agenda. Treatment of opioid dependence remains a national priority. Based on information from

On August 29, 1958 a superstar was born. Michael Jackson got a taste of stardom when he was only eleven years old. Some of his first songs were: “ABC,” “Dancin Machine,” and “I’ll be There.” With all his fame, there came a price. Michael Jackson was pulled into the worst thing he could ever get pulled into. There are many speculations about the death of Michael Jackson. Did he commit suicide? Was Jackson’s doctor trying to kill him? The truth is Michael Jackson died from an overdose of many drugs. Michael Jackson’s death was not the doctor’s fault, he asked for the medication.

A drug is a substance when introduced into the body can either have a positive or a negative physiological effect on a person. The substances that are considered to have a positive effect on a person are known as medicinal drugs, but the substances that have a negative effect on a person are known as illicit/illegal drugs. A few examples of medicinal drugs are prescribed medication, pain reliever, etc. A few examples of illicit drugs are cigarettes, cocaine, heroin, etc. though it may seem as clear cut as medicinal drugs are good and illicit drugs are bad, it is not entirely true as there are many cases in which medicinal

On Jackson's 51st birthday, the Los Angeles County Coroner pronounced that Jackson's death was a homicide (killed by another person). Shortly before his death, Jackson had been administered propofol and two anti-anxiety benzodiazepines, lorazepam and midazolam in his home. Conrad Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 and was served a two year prison sentence.