Study Finds Two-Fold Increase in Opioid Poisoning and Overdoses Among US Kids

1. Study Finds Two Study Finds Two- -Fold Increase in Opioid Poisoning and Overdoses Among US Kids Fold Increase in Opioid Poisoning and Overdoses Among US Kids There has been a substantial rise in young American patients needing care due to opioid poisoning and overdoses. According to a recent study published in the Pediatrics, opioid poisoning and overdoses are sending a large number of children and teens in the United States to hospitals. As per the study, there were 3,647 opioid-related hospitalizations in 31 hospitals with a two-time increase recorded between 2004 and 2015 that required admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). According to the study authors, given the exploratory and intuitive nature of young children, they are more prone to suffer from accidental medication ingestions as compared to adolescents. Given the rapid increase in the rate of pediatric opioid-related hospitalizations, the study aimed to examine the trends reported in opioid hospitalizations for opioid ingestions and evaluate the impact on usage of pediatric critical care resources. Whether prescribed or used opioids main driver behind drug deaths with these drugs 42,249 lives in 2016. There has been a nationwide increase in the number of opioid-related overdose with more than three out of five deaths involving an opioid. illicitly, are the overdose claiming deaths Opioid-related hospitalization common among children As per the study, opioid-related hospitalizations were maximum among children aged 12-17 years and those aged 1-5 years. Opioid-related hospitalizations were the highest (61 percent) among children aged 12-17 years, followed by (34.2 percent) children aged 1-5 years; and was found to be the least (4.8 percent) among children aged 6-11 years. During the study, opioid-related stays at the hospitals increased from almost 800 to 1,500. The study involved 31 children’s hospitals across the U.S. According to its findings, most cases of accidental overdoses in young children involved prescription painkillers and heroin. Children – secondary victims of adult opioid epidemic www.teenagedrugrehabcenters.com

2. As per study author Dr. Jason Kane, M.D., the youngest opioid victims were more prone to finding medications and/or illicit drugs in their parents’ medicine box and use them out of curiosity. While the reason for an increase in opioid overdoses among young children is not clear, it could be due to the wide availability and increased potency of drugs all these years. Given the study results, Dr. Kane termed the young children as the “secondary victims” of the adult opioid epidemic that has ravaged the nation. As per the study, the existing steps to reduce prescription opioid use in adults have not restricted the ongoing pediatric consumption. Therefore, it requires additional efforts to reduce preventable opioid exposure in children. While several treatment programs for drugs have proven to reduce opioid use in teens and young adults, the study highlights the need for pediatricians to get involved in combating the ongoing opioid crisis. We can help A natural curiosity and the desire to experiment can have disastrous consequences. Similar to young children, teens and adolescents are also prone to opioid overdose. While the reasons behind the addiction may be many, effective preventive measures combined with evidence- based treatment programs can help an individual tackle the issue. At the Teenage Drug Rehab Centers, our representatives can help you identify symptoms of drug addiction, find the best juvenile drug rehabilitation programs suited to your needs and connect you to the finest treatment providers. Whatever be your concern, drug rehab helpline for teens can help you. Call at our 24/7 helpline number (866) 550-9187 to speak to our counselors to get access to the best drug rehab centers for teens near you. www.teenagedrugrehabcenters.com