Over 100 Young Adults Test Positive for Opioid Abuse in ER Daily

1. Over 100 Young Adults Test Positive for Opioid Abuse in ER Daily Over 100 Young Adults Test Positive for Opioid Abuse in ER Daily The opioid epidemic has claimed many lives, more than the fatalities caused by AIDS/HIV and the Vietnam war. It was initially thought that the crisis had left teens and young adults untouched. But that does not seem to be the case. The recently released 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that nearly 11.8 million Americans aged 12 or older misused opioids in the past year. Additionally, nearly 891,000 teens and preteens, aged 12 to 17, misused them, corresponding to a 3.6 percent of the population in this age group. According retrospective analysis of the 2008-2013 data from the nationwide emergency department Sample, the number of young people (21 years or less) who had visited ED for reasons associated dependence addiction on opioids increased from 32,235 in 2008 to 49,626 in 2013. This amounted to nearly 135 children testing positive for opioid dependence every day. The findings were presented at American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2017 National Conference & Exhibition in Chicago on September 18. to a (ED) with or Pediatric public health crisis Commenting on the prevalence of opioid abuse in younger people, Dr. Veerajalandhar Allareddy, one of the study authors and medical director of the pediatric intensive care unit at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, said, “How big is the problem? That we don’t know. My suspicion is that we are just skimming the top. In our opinion, this is a pediatric public health crisis.” Some other notable takeaways are: More than half of the visits made to ER were that of males. Nearly 88 percent of the visits were made by young adults aged 18 to 21. Approximately 8 percent visitors comprised young people aged 16 and 17. www.sovteens.com

2. Increased admissions highlighted an income-based disparity. Children belonging to higher income families were more likely to be hospitalized than those belonging to lower income families. Safe disposal and good practices can prevent misuse Whether it is a baby who had been exposed to opioids in the womb or a young adult who has recently discovered his daddy’s secret stash, adult indiscretion is responsible for endangering a young life. Moreover, young adults are more likely to emulate their elders’ behavior and habits without realizing the harm it may cause. Parents who are careless while storing drugs increase the risk of children swallowing them inadvertently. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidelines for correct disposal of unused medications. There are many states that have safe disposal boxes installed at various places to ensure that the unused pills are not misused. It is equally important for pharmacists and heath care providers to educate buyers and patients, respectively about the risks of addiction and abuse by family members. Adopting safe practices can go a long way in preventing misuse. Help at hand The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that pediatricians should provide medication-assisted treatment, using methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine, to teenagers and young adults suffering from severe opioid use disorder. With timely intervention, it is possible to treat the aftereffects of drug addiction in children and save their adulthood from destruction. If you know a young child suffering from drug abuse, reach out to Sovereign Health. The Rancho San Diego facility of Sovereign Health is the perfect place for adolescent patients to recover in a tranquil environment. Our well-trained and qualified staff provide round-the- clock supervision for teen drug abusetreatment.These state-of-the-art teenage drug addiction rehab centers are meant for holistic solutions for complete recovery. Call at our 24/7 helpline (866) 615-7266 to know more. www.sovteens.com