Why is opioid use so high in West Virginia?
The reasons for this opioid epidemic incidence in West Virginia have been a combination of sociocultural factors, a depressed economy, lack of education, and a high rate of prescribing and dispensing of prescription opioids.
What is the number one state for opioid addiction?
West Virginia has the highest rate of fatal opioid overdoses among U.S. states, with 49.6 per 100,000 individuals, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The ranking is based on data from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics.
What is the CDC doing about the opioid crisis?
CDC is committed to fighting the opioid overdose epidemic and supporting states and communities as they continue work to identify outbreaks, collect data, respond to overdoses, and provide care to those in their communities.
Is OxyContin still available?
OxyContin, a trade name for the narcotic oxycodone hydrochloride, is a painkiller available in the United States only by prescription. OxyContin is legitimately prescribed for relief of moderate to severe pain resulting from injuries, bursitis, neuralgia, arthritis, and cancer.
What age group has the highest rate of opioid addiction?
Demographics of the Opioid Crisis As shown in Figure 1, opioid overdose rates were highest for persons aged 25–34 (34.6 per 100,000), 35–44 (35.0), and 45–54 (34.5) years.
Why is the opioid epidemic growing?
In recent years, the opioid overdose epidemic has worsened with a rise in the use of illicit opioids. Of particular concern is illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. CDC has forged new partnerships with law enforcement to address the growing illicit opioid problem.
Who does the opioid epidemic impact the most?
Adults aged 35-44 experienced the highest rates of drug overdose deaths while young people aged 15-24 experienced the greatest percentage increase in deaths. We must continue our efforts in all aspects of our fight against substance use disorder and the opioid epidemic.