A recent report from the National Safety Council has the odds of dying from an opioid overdose as higher than the odds of getting into a car accident.1 Every day, more than 1,000 people are treated for misusing prescription opioids2, and it’s estimated that 130 Americans die every day from opioid overdoses3.
Saying, “it won’t happen to someone I know,” is not a good enough excuse anymore.
A January study from the American Society of Anesthesiologists found that two-thirds of parents believe, whether proven true or not, that opioids can more effectively manage their child’s pain after surgery than over-the-counter medications. With 90% of addictions starting before the age of 18, you may already know a teen in your life who has a problem4.
And with an estimate of 11.5 million adults misusing prescription pain relievers at least once a year5, someone you know may easily slip into dangerous territory. A few too many “just one more,” can quickly spiral out of control. You can spend your life hoping it won’t happen, but realistically, there is a chance that someday a loved one’s life will depend on whether you or someone else close by knows how to reverse an opioid overdose.
Seeking out opioid overdose training is something that every single person should do, regardless of occupation or where you live.
If you live in the Saratoga Springs area, we are offering training for free. On February 6, Sigma Tau Kappa at-Large Chapter, Stat Staff Professionals, and Adirondack Health and Wellness are sponsoring “Responding to Opioid Overdose,” a free training by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. For more information and to register to attend, please visit: responding-to-opioid-overdose.eventbrite.com
If you don’t live in the area and would like to get training or find out more information, you can visit https://www.getnaloxonenow.org/.
References
[1] National Safety Council. (n.d.). Odds of Dying. Retrieved January 28, 2019, from https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/all-injuries/preventable-death-overview/odds-of-dying/
[2] Center for Disease Control. (2017). Addressing the Prescription Opioid Crisis[Brochure]. Author. Retrieved January 28, 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/rxawareness/pdf/Overview-Rx-Awareness-Resources.pdf
[3] Center For Disease Control. (2018, December 19). Opioid Overdose. Retrieved January 28, 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html
[4] ASALifeline. (n.d.). Parents worried about risks, still think opioids are best for kids' pain relief. Retrieved January 28, 2019, from https://eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-01/asoa-pwa012119.php
[5] Lipari, R. N., PH.D, Williams, M., PH. D, & Van Horn, S. L., M.A. (2017, July 27). WHY DO ADULTS MISUSE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS? Retrieved January 28, 2019, from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_3210/ShortReport-3210.html
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