Is the Opioid Epidemic Slowing?
The opioid epidemic has been a national emergency since 2017, with the President, First Lady, and Trump Administration working to reduce the epidemic.1
State, county, and local governments have also been making efforts to reduce the opioid epidemic as well, with efforts such as local needle exchange programs, free Fentanyl distribution, first responder training, and community drug take-back programs.
New data shows that one particular effort, reducing the number of prescribed opioids, may be helping to slow this epidemic. Use of prescription opioids fell at a record rate of 17% in 2018, showing promising statistics for reducing opioid overdose rates and ending the opioid crisis.2
If you or someone you love has experienced addiction or drug overdose, professional detox and treatment can be life-saving. Call 888-280-4763 to learn how our team at Banyan Detox Boca Raton can help you get started on treatment.
Declining Opioid Prescriptions
Prescription opioids are one of the biggest challenges in the opioid epidemic. In 2016, one in three Medicare Part D beneficiaries received a prescription opioid, with 400 prescribers using questionable prescribing patterns in regards to opioids. 3 Communities recognized that battling the opioid epidemic and lowering opioid overdose rates started not with opiate detox Boca Raton, but with reducing the number of individuals receiving opioids in the first place.
The opioid epidemic initially began with aggressive marketing and prescribing techniques, with medical professionals seeking to fix patient pain quickly for favorable patient satisfaction surveys. 2017’s 17% decline in opioid prescriptions shows that efforts to help doctors treat pain through alternate avenues have helped to lower the number of opioids prescribed. This is good news for treating the opioid epidemic, showing that fewer patients are being prescribed dangerous opioids in the first place.
Treating Heroin and Opioid Addiction
While the decreasing number of opioid prescriptions is good news for slowing the epidemic overall, those who are currently addicted to opioids and heroin still need help.
Our facility offers medically monitored painkiller, opiate, and heroin detox Boca Raton for patients who are ready to get sober. Call 888-280-4763 to get started.
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