As a society, we have become increasingly aware of the deadly impact of opioids on adults. However, a new study has shed light on another group that is tragically affected by this epidemic – our children. The findings are shocking and demand immediate action to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. In this blog post, we will dive into the details of this study and explore what needs to be done to keep our kids safe from the dangers posed by opioids. So buckle up and get ready for an eye-opening ride!

What are opioids?

Opioids are drugs that are used to relieve pain. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which reduces the perception of pain. Opioids are commonly prescribed for pain relief, but they are also often abused.

Opioid abuse has become a serious problem in the United States. In 2015, more than 33,000 people died from an opioid overdose, and more than 2 million people were addicted to opioids.1

Opioid abuse is not only a problem for adults; it is also a problem for children. A recent study found that children who live in communities where opioids are abused are at a higher risk of dying from an accidental overdose.2

The study, which was published in the journal Pediatrics, looked at data from 2004 to 2014. During that time period, there were 464 cases of unintentional pediatric opioid overdoses in the United States.3 Of those cases, 59% occurred in rural areas and 41% occurred in urban areas.4

The study found that the rate of unintentional pediatric opioid overdoses was highest in rural areas (4.3 per 100,000 population), followed by urban areas (2.9 per 100,000 population).5 This finding is concerning because it suggests that children who live in communities where opioids are abused are at a higher risk of dying from an accidental overdose than children who live in other types of communities.6

There are several reasons why children who live in communities where opioids

What is the danger of opioids to children in our communities?

The danger of opioids to children in our communities is very real and present. Children are dying from accidental overdoses, and even more are at risk for addiction. The statistics are staggering:

-Every day, 46 people die from accidental overdoses involving opioids – that’s one person every four hours.

-Approximately 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for unintentional opioid overdoses each day.

-More than half of all unintentional pediatric deaths from prescription drugs involve an opioid.

-Since 1999, the number of children aged 0-19 who have died from an opioid overdose has quadrupled.

These numbers make it clear that the danger of opioids to children is real and growing. We must do everything we can to protect our children from this deadly threat.

The study on opioids and children in our communities

According to a new study, opioids are a deadly danger to children in our communities. The study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that between 1999 and 2016, more than 1,300 children aged 0-19 died from opioid overdoses.

The CDC study is the first of its kind to look at how many children and teens are dying from opioids in our country. The findings are alarming: not only are more children dying from opioids now than ever before, but the rate of death has quadrupled since 1999.

There are a number of reasons why opioids pose such a danger to young people. First, opioids are highly addictive substances that can easily lead to abuse and overdose. Second, many parents who use opioids may not be aware of the dangers they pose to their children; even if they’re taking medications prescribed by a doctor, they may not realize how easy it is for their kids to get their hands on them. Finally, some kids may deliberately seek out opioids in an attempt to get high.

Whatever the reason, it’s clear that opioids are a serious threat to the health and safety of our nation’s young people. We need to do everything we can to prevent more children from dying from this preventable cause of death.

What needs to be done to keep our children safe from opioids?

In light of the recent study that proved opioids are a deadly danger to children in our communities, it is clear that more needs to be done to keep our children safe. Here are some steps we can take to protect our kids from this growing threat:

1. Talk to your kids about the dangers of opioids. It is important that they understand the risks involved with taking these drugs, even if they are prescribed by a doctor.

2. Keep track of your own prescription medications and make sure they are stored safely out of reach of children.

3. Dispose of unused or unwanted medication properly. Many pharmacies offer medication drop-off programs where you can safely dispose of unwanted pills.

4. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and know how to administer naloxone, an emergency treatment for overdoses.

5. Get involved in your community’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis. This could include supporting laws and regulations designed to keep opioids out of reach of minors or working with local organizations to raise awareness about the dangers of these drugs.

Conclusion

The study on opioids and the deadly danger to children in our communities has been a wake-up call for all of us. We must continue to be aware of and actively work to reduce opioid abuse among young people. Parents, teachers, healthcare providers, and community members can help by educating children about the dangers of opioids and providing access to support services when needed. With proper prevention measures in place, we can ensure that no more innocent lives are lost due to this epidemic.