Downfall in opioid deaths, but should we stop worrying

The preliminary reports published in a leading newspaper suggest that the number of opioid related deaths have come down by 5%. According to experts, it means that several lives were saved in the previous years. However, it is no reason to rejoice. Check the write-up to know the reason why.

According to the preliminary data presented in the New York Times, the rate of opioid overdose related deaths have fallen by 5% in the previous year. The drop means that more than a thousand patients’ lives were saved, which can be translated into a big win. However, it is not news to rejoice yet. According to experts, these data are subjected to change until the final reports come up at the end of the year.

Why should the news be dealt with caution?


It is not the first time such reports have cropped up in the headlines. In the year 2011 and 2012, the number of opioid related deaths seemed to have come down drastically. Afterwards, a variant of synthetic opioid, especially illegal fentanyl, was launched in the black market. It resulted in a tremendous rise in the number of deaths due to the illicit drug.

As the illegal synthetic opioid spread over the whole country, the nation-wide death rate due to excessive consumption of the drug also increased.

The reports published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that opioids related deaths in connection with pain medication have come down. However, deaths related to synthetic opioid have risen up in the previous year. The estimated reports suggest that last year around 32,000 people died after taking variants of synthetic opioids like cocaine, methadone, and other psychostimulants.

List of synthetic opioids


•    Heroin
•    Oxycodone
•    Opium
•    Hydromorphone
•    Tramadol
•    Codeine
•    Hydrocodone
•    Fentanyl
•    Morphine
•    Carfentanil

So, is there no hope?

Fortunately, yes. The fall in the number of opioid painkillers suggests that efforts to curtail the side-effects of the medicine are showing. The strict restrictions regarding selling and stocking the medicine, and initiative in increasing the awareness regarding the side effects of the drug are paying off. Although, some feel that these restrictions make it difficult for the patients, in genuine need of medicine, to get the required amount.

Apart from that, the government has taken an active initiation to provide rehabilitation and treatments for the opioid addicts. Plus, it has also promoted distribution and sale of antidotes for curbing overdose issues.

Victims suffering from the opioid epidemic have taken the legal recourse to get justice against the troubles caused by the drug. Have you been suffering from the issues, and want answers? Consult the legal team of Bramzon Law Firm PLLC to know your options. For more information, visit http://opioidlegal.com or call 855-982-1787.

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