To overdose is one of the scariest things that can happen to a person and is life threatening. In the United States, according to CNN, drugs are at the top of the killer list above cars and even guns. But surprisingly this isn’t a new occurrence.
The rise of drug abuse and overdose has been happening since the early 2000’s. Opioids like heroin, and similar drugs are taking over many peoples lives. It is important to become aware of the abuse of drugs and how frequent drug overdoses happen because on average 120 die a day from overdose and around 43,982 people die each year in the United States from overdosing. It is necessary that if you or any of your friends use drugs to become familiar with symptoms in case of a possible overdose. Some symptoms of an overdose are increase in heart rate, seizures, nausea, and vomiting. Treatments are dependent on the drug being abused and the person in danger.
“On average 120 die a day from overdose and around 43,982 people die each year in the United States from overdosing.”
Overdosing is becoming an epidemic in the United States. Opioid use is skyrocketing with over 50,000 deaths in 2015 according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
To try and stop the epidemic many organizations like the Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose, and the CDC, and FDA, are working to make doctors available for treatment, spreading awareness for the cause, and bringing in the federal government to make it harder to buy and supply opioids for recreational use.
But they need more help and support than ever. Take the time to donate, or just have a conversation. Spread awareness about the threats of opioids and overdose.
If you know someone who is abusing the drug help them get the help we need. We don’t need more lives lost to the opioid epidemic.
It is time we starting spreading awareness and getting help for those affected by the ultimate killer, opioids.
