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Opiate Addiction Statistics

Opiate Addiction on the Rise

Research has shown that America in the past ten years is in the grip of a deadly opiate addiction epidemic. Opiate addiction, involves an addiction to drugs ranging from heroin to morphine and even prescription painkillers such as the well-known Oxycontin, Oxycodone and Vicodin brands. Recent research suggest that opiates are being abused on a massive scale and that many young people are addicted to drugs such as heroin. It is often the case that young people who take heroin or an opiate for recreational use end up becoming hopelessly addicted, with often tragic consequences.

Opiate Usage Statistics

The current abuse of opiates is at levels last seen in the 1970's and there are concerns that this situation may get even worse. Officially compiled statistics show the extent of the problem. In 2007, over two million Americans had abused painkillers like Oxycontin and Vicodin to experience a high. In 2006, a survey commissioned by the National Institute of Drug Abuse revealed that approximately 500,000 people had abused or tried heroin at least once in a twelve-month period. Another study carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO)  showed that in America, there are over three million opiate addicts.

Opiate Addiction Statistics

There are many reasons why America has an opioid epidemic and one factor is the widespread availability of brands such as Oxycontin and Vicodin. There is a dangerous myth shared by many Americans that somehow pills are not as dangerous as street drugs such as heroin and that pain killers are a safe alternative. Then there is the fact that powerful prescription drugs are often in homes and they are easily accessed by young people. Prescription opiate drugs are very powerful, but when they are used with other drugs or alcohol they are potentially lethal.  Every year this leads to many needless deaths from accidental overdoses.

Opiate Addiction Help

The research on the extent of opioid addiction shows that there is an epidemic in American society. Opiate abuse and addiction is a major public health issue and it is a problem that we can no longer ignore. Studies have conclusively shown that opiate abuse is a particular issue for the young and that it is not confined to one race, or from a certain background to save the next generation from the ravages of the opioid epidemic, there is an urgent need to educate the young and to support those who are at risk of becoming dependent on drugs such as heroin and Oxycontin. Suboxone a prescription medication can play an important role in ending the current opioid epidemic in America.