This month’s issue of CESAR FAX features data from the national Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS). The data shows the percentage of admissions to state-funded substance abuse treatment facilities citing heroin as primary substance of abuse has reached the highest level since data collection began back in 1992.
Opiates like morphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone and oxymorphone are commonly prescribed to treat pain, alleviate stress and improve sleep. Over the past decade, the abuse of these drugs has led to what has been referred to as a prescription drug misuse epidemic. When an individual is no longer able to receive or afford prescription opiates, they may turn to heroin as a more cost effective and perhaps readily available alternative to satisfy their addiction.
Heroin is an opioid compound similar to morphine, but possesses a higher potential for addiction and overdose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who are addicted to prescription opioids are 40 times more likely to become addicted to heroin. The CDC also reports that between 2002 and 2013, the rate of heroin-related deaths nearly quadrupled with more than 8,200 people dying from overdoses. With heroin use on the rise, it’s little wonder that more people are seeking treatment for heroin addiction than ever before.
CESAR FAX provides a monthly, one-page summary of timely substance abuse trends and news. Read the latest issue for more information.
For more information about drug testing, visit our website.
Opiates like morphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone and oxymorphone are commonly prescribed to treat pain, alleviate stress and improve sleep. Over the past decade, the abuse of these drugs has led to what has been referred to as a prescription drug misuse epidemic. When an individual is no longer able to receive or afford prescription opiates, they may turn to heroin as a more cost effective and perhaps readily available alternative to satisfy their addiction.
Heroin is an opioid compound similar to morphine, but possesses a higher potential for addiction and overdose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who are addicted to prescription opioids are 40 times more likely to become addicted to heroin. The CDC also reports that between 2002 and 2013, the rate of heroin-related deaths nearly quadrupled with more than 8,200 people dying from overdoses. With heroin use on the rise, it’s little wonder that more people are seeking treatment for heroin addiction than ever before.
CESAR FAX provides a monthly, one-page summary of timely substance abuse trends and news. Read the latest issue for more information.
For more information about drug testing, visit our website.