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It’s no secret that drug use can lead to abuse and addiction. While we all know this to be true, many drug use statistics are still shocking. From the number of ER visits each year to the frequency of prescription drug abuse, take a look at some of the most surprising drug use facts.
Prescription Drug Abuse is a Growing Problem
It’s not enough to acknowledge that prescription drug addiction is a problem. It’s crucial to see exactly how this epidemic is growing. Some addictions begin through regular use under medical supervision, but others begin because of teenage experimentation. Every single day, 2,000 teenagers start abusing prescription drugs. What’s worse is that these individuals are first-time drug abusers. Many of these teens will develop addictions and struggle to get sober for a lifetime.
Prescription Opioids are a Common Gateway to Heroin
Many of the people who suffer from addictions to heroin used prescription opioids first. The two substances are remarkably similar. That means that individuals who have prescriptions for opioid might eventually become addicted to heroin. This showcases how important it is to monitor the use of prescription opioids. Patients should be aware of the risks of these prescription medications, use them appropriately and be on the lookout for any possible signs of a dependence.
Many ER Visits are the Result of Drug Abuse
Drug use comes with countless consequences. Many of those consequences bring drug users to the hospital’s emergency room. Some of these cases involve drug-related accidents, but others may include serious drug overdoses.
Drug Overdose Fatalities Happen Frequently
Over 50,000 Americans die every year as a result of a drug overdose. While this number is incredibly high, what is more shocking is breaking it down further. Every 19 minutes in America, a person dies from a prescription drug overdose. That’s more than three people every single hour of every single day. What’s worse, this is just for prescription drugs. Clearly, there’s a problem with the regulation and consumption of even prescription opioids in the United States.
The Financial Costs of Drug Use in America are Staggering
Drug abuse harms millions, and it can also harm society financially. When you consider crime, legal costs, health care and emergency response, not to mention lost work productivity, drug use costs our nation over $271 billion each year. Spending more on treatment and addiction recovery could actually bring down these total costs in the long run.
Changing Drug Use Statistics
Don’t become another of these drug use statistics. If you’re struggling with addiction, then seek help from Silver Pines Treatment Center in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Call 267.719.8689 to start working toward your recovery today.
