5 Opioid Facts That Will Surprise You [Infographic]

There is no shortage of news coverage for the opioid crisis in America. While attention, press, and awareness is a good thing, there isn’t always an emphasis on the facts. These five opioid facts give you a realistic picture of the epidemic. Keep in mind that while the statistics seem dire, there are recovery and treatment options that can help end addiction, one person at a time.

Prescription Opioid Addiction Affects Teens

When people think of prescription opioid or pain pill addiction, they think of adults. Seniors citizens, for example, are more likely to be prescribed opioid painkillers. However, it is important to remember that teens are just as likely to abuse and become addicted to these substances.

Prescription painkillers might be given to teens who suffer from sports injuries. They can also be administered after surgery. Of course, teens may also acquire drugs illegally. Whatever the cause, there are more than 122,000 teens in America who are already addicted to prescription opioids.

Prescription Drug Abuse Often Leads to Heroin Abuse

One of the most shocking opioid facts is the connection between prescription drugs and heroin. While lots of people can see how addiction develops when it comes to prescription opioids, they can’t understand why people begin to use heroin. In most cases, the two are directly linked.

About 85 percent of people who abuse heroin first abused prescription opioids. Once your body and brain are dependent on opioids, any source will do. If a person can’t obtain prescription opioids, heroin might be a cheaper or more readily available alternative drug.

Heroin Abuse is on the Rise

Sadly, all of the media attention on the opioid epidemic hasn’t solved the problem. Heroin use and abuse continues to be on the rise. Over the past five years, heroin use has doubled in the United States.

No Demographic is Safe From Opioid Addiction

One of the most dangerous myths about opioid addiction is that it only happens to certain groups of people. In reality, opioids pose a threat to just about anyone. While the opioid crisis was largely thought of as a male issue, that is clearly changing. Opioid abuse among women is growing at a staggering pace.

Heroin is One of the Deadliest Drugs

Most drugs pose serious risks, and most also have the potential to be deadly. Heroin and other opioids, however, are particularly worrying. Heroin is incredibly dangerous and it kills twice as many people each year when compared to other drugs, like cocaine. When you add in prescription opioid deaths, the number grows even higher.

These opioid facts might shock you, but don’t lose sight of recovery. Opioid addiction treatment at Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, might be the answer. Call 866.605.0532 to begin your journey to recovery today.