New Data Breaks Down Opioid Deaths, By Drug and By State
While, sadly, it won’t be news to anyone that drug overdose deaths rose at an alarming rate in 2016, new statistics released by the government earlier this month shed some light on the problem. As this New York Times article details, deaths attributable to prescription painkillers like oxycodone have slowed, suggesting that recent efforts aimed at curbing over-prescribing opioids are working. Unfortunately, restricting access isn’t a cure for addiction, and in some cases, those with chronic pain are turning to synthetic opioids like fentanyl which are cheaper and more potent; one reason that deaths from fentanyl overdoses are skyrocketing. This new data suggests that the impact on business – increasing medical costs, absenteeism and decreased productivity and worker safety -- is going to get worse not better. There are no easy answers here, but there are some best practices you can follow to combat opioid abuse. Join us on our webcast Tuesday, October 10 at 1:00 PM ET to learn more.