The United States is facing an alarming increase in overdose deaths among young people due to synthetic opioids. The rate of drug overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, which include fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, increased more than 20-fold between 2013 and 2022, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overdoses and drug poisonings are now the third leading cause of death in people under age 20, behind firearms and motor vehicle crashes. The overdose death counts among US youth ages 15 to 24 rose from 4,652 to 6,723 between 2018 and 2022, according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics. (A slight decrease occurred between 2021 and 2022.) The largest increase was seen in deaths involving only synthetic opioids: Since 2020, fatal overdoses involving only these substances were higher than overdoses in which multiple substances were implicated. Overdose rates were nearly 2.5 times higher among male youths compared with female youths and more than two times higher among those ages 20 to 24 compared with those ages 15 to 19. As a parent, I wanted to know more about synthetic opioids and their uses. Why are they so dangerous, and how are overdoses treated? How can people tell if the drugs they are taking contain synthetic opioids? Crucially, what can parents and other family members do to help reduce the risk of overdose? To help us answer these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at the George Washington University. Previously, she served as Baltimore’s health commissioner, where she oversaw the city’s opioid prevention strategy. CNN: What are synthetic opioids? What are they used for? Dr. Leana Wen: Prescription opioids are medications used to treat severe pain. They must be used with caution, however, because if they are used in higher than prescribed doses or otherwise incorrectly, they can result in drowsiness, slowed and shallow breathing, and even death. Opioids can be classified by where they originate. So-called natural opioids are derived from the poppy plant and include drugs such as morphine and codeine. Semisynthetic opioids include oxycodone and hydrocodone. Synthetic opioids are made in the laboratory. The synthetic opioid most implicated in fatal overdoses is fentanyl, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. There are other synthetic opioids too, such as tramadol and methadone. Methadone is also used as a treatment for people with opioid use disorder. Notably, the CDC’s statistics and the new study in Pediatrics do not include methadone in their calculation of fatal overdoses due to synthetic opioids. The majority of synthetic overdose deaths in the US involve fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives. CNN: Are there legitimate medical uses of fentanyl? Wen: Yes. Fentanyl is often used in emergency settings to treat acute pain. For instance, someone who was in a high-speed car accident and just broke their hip needs immediate pain relief. It is also given to patients who have chronic pain that is not relieved by other methods. Some cancer patients with intractable pain use a fentanyl patch or fentanyl lozenge, for example. The current trend of youth overdoses is probably not mostly due to fentanyl being diverted from legitimate medical purposes. In recent years, there has been a significant problem with fentanyl being made in illegal labs. Synthetic fentanyl is sold illegally as a powder dropped onto blotter paper, put in eyedroppers and nasal sprays or, perhaps most terrifyingly, as pills that resemble other prescription pills, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In addition, fentanyl is often mixed in with other drugs. People who think they are taking amphetamines, oxycodone, cocaine, heroin, MDMA (also known as ecstasy) or other “party drugs” may be unknowingly taking fentanyl. Depending on the amount of fentanyl they are ingesting, they could overdose and die. CNN: What makes fentanyl especially dangerous? Wen: To begin, fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. A small amount can lead to oversedation and death. People may not realize how dangerous fentanyl is or even that what they are taking has fentanyl in it. There have been numerous cases of high school and college-age students who have died after being given fentanyl-laced pills. CNN: How are overdoses treated? Wen: The treatment for opioid overdose is the medication naloxone, also sometimes referred to by its brand name Narcan. It is available as a nasal spray and as an intramuscular injection. The nasal spray is available over the counter for under $50. Some health insurance plans will cover naloxone, and some state and local health departments may give out this medication free of charge. If given immediately after someone loses consciousness, it could reverse the overdose and save someone’s life. Individuals who come to after getting naloxone should still receive immediate medical care. They may need additional doses of naloxone, and they could need treatment for other potentially dangerous substances they have taken. CNN: How can people tell if the drugs they are taking contain synthetic opioids? Wen: This is an important question — the answer is that people can’t easily tell if the drug they are taking contains fentanyl. Counterfeit medications can look exactly like the prescription form. If fentanyl is mixed in with cocaine or other illicit drugs, it’s not possible to tell based on simply looking at the substance, as fentanyl is odorless and colorless. Fentanyl test strips can check for the presence of fentanyl in the drug supply. While the use of these strips can reduce overdose risk, know that just because one pill in the supply doesn’t contain fentanyl doesn’t mean that others all don’t. Moreover, these strips don’t test for other contaminants that can also be deadly. I want to share another key number: Of the fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills analyzed in 2022 by the US Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory, 6 out of 10 contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. This is a sobering statistic and should be reason enough for people never to use illicit prescription pills or other illegal substances. CNN: What can parents and other family members do to help reduce the risk of overdose? Wen: Parents should speak with their children about the danger of counterfeit and illicit drugs. It doesn’t matter if parents used drugs when they were younger. Drugs today are so much more powerful and dangerous. People should never take medications that don’t belong to them. They don’t know where the medications came from, if the medications are really what they claim to be, and whether they have contaminants such as fentanyl in which even a small amount could be fatal. I think it’s also good practice to have naloxone accessible. As I mentioned, this medication is now available over the counter. Everyone can learn to use it and have it in their medicine cabinet.
Youth overdoses from synthetic opioids are increasing. What parents should know
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Surge in Youth Overdoses Linked to Synthetic Opioids Raises Concerns for Parents"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
The United States is witnessing a troubling rise in overdose deaths among young individuals, particularly due to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and its analogs. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that between 2013 and 2022, the rate of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids increased more than 20-fold. This alarming trend has positioned overdoses and drug poisonings as the third leading cause of death for those under 20, trailing only firearms and motor vehicle accidents. A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics highlights that overdose fatalities among youth aged 15 to 24 surged from 4,652 in 2018 to 6,723 by 2022, with a notable spike in deaths solely attributed to synthetic opioids. The statistics indicate that male youths are disproportionately affected, with overdose rates nearly 2.5 times higher than their female counterparts, and those aged 20 to 24 experiencing more than double the rates of those aged 15 to 19. The growing prevalence of synthetic opioid-related deaths is a cause for concern among parents and caregivers, who are increasingly seeking information on prevention and intervention strategies.
To better understand the risks associated with synthetic opioids, Dr. Leana Wen, a wellness expert and emergency physician, explains that these substances, including fentanyl, are often manufactured in illegal labs and are commonly mixed with other drugs, leading to unintentional overdoses. Fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, poses significant dangers, especially as it can be found in counterfeit pills that mimic legitimate prescription medications. Parents are encouraged to engage in open discussions with their children about the risks of counterfeit and illicit drugs, emphasizing that current drugs are more powerful and hazardous than those of previous generations. Additionally, having naloxone readily available can be a life-saving measure in the event of an overdose. This medication, which can reverse the effects of opioid overdose, is now accessible over the counter, allowing families to take proactive steps in safeguarding their loved ones against the rising tide of synthetic opioid overdoses.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the troubling rise in overdose deaths among young people in the United States due to synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl. The alarming statistics presented emphasize the urgency of the situation, which has escalated significantly over the past decade. Understanding the implications of such a crisis and the information presented is crucial for parents and communities.
Underlying Purpose of the Article
The aim is to raise awareness among parents about the dangers posed by synthetic opioids and to encourage proactive measures to prevent overdoses. By providing statistics and expert insights, the article seeks to inform families about the risks associated with these substances and how to recognize them.
Public Perception
This report is likely intended to create a sense of urgency and concern among parents, prompting them to engage more actively in discussions about drug use with their children. The statistics, highlighting the increase in overdose deaths, aim to underscore the severity of the opioid crisis and its specific impact on youth.
Potential Omissions
While the article presents crucial information, it may not address the broader socio-economic factors contributing to the rise in opioid use and overdose deaths. This omission could lead to an incomplete understanding of the issue, as it does not explore the systemic issues at play, such as access to mental health care or the socio-economic conditions faced by young people.
Manipulative Aspects
The article employs a manipulative tendency by focusing on fear and urgency without sufficiently discussing solutions or preventative measures. This can lead to a heightened emotional response from readers, potentially overshadowing a more balanced view of the issue.
Accuracy of Information
The statistics referenced come from reputable sources, such as the CDC and the journal Pediatrics, lending credibility to the claims made. However, the overall narrative may benefit from a more nuanced exploration of the reasons behind the increase in synthetic opioid use among youth.
Societal Implications
The increasing rates of overdose deaths could catalyze policy changes regarding drug regulation, education, and prevention programs. It may also fuel discussions about mental health resources and community support systems aimed at addressing substance abuse.
Target Audience
The primary audience appears to be parents and guardians, as they are the ones directly impacted by the information regarding youth drug use. The article strives to engage this demographic by addressing their concerns and providing expert commentary.
Impact on Financial Markets
While the article primarily focuses on public health, an increase in awareness and concern regarding synthetic opioids may influence pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and addiction treatment services in the stock market. Companies involved in opioid production or addiction treatment could see fluctuations based on public sentiment and regulatory changes.
Global Context
The opioid crisis is not confined to the United States; it is part of a broader global health issue. This article contributes to ongoing discussions about drug policies and health care systems worldwide, especially in light of the mental health and addiction challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
It is unlikely that AI was directly used in writing this article, but the structured presentation of facts and statistics suggests a methodical approach that could be influenced by data analysis tools. The way the information is conveyed aims to guide readers toward understanding the gravity of the situation.
In conclusion, while the article provides essential information regarding the rising trend of youth overdoses from synthetic opioids, it leans towards generating fear without offering comprehensive solutions or exploring underlying causes. The reliability of the data is sound; however, the narrative could benefit from a more holistic approach to the issue.