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The number of people who have died due to opioid overdoses have dropped since the emergency began back in 2017. In part., we can thank programs like inpatient care and local Narcotics Anonymous chapters. A new analysis also documents fewer opioid prescriptions from retail pharmacies. Treatment & Prescribing Trends The Health Affairs Forefront analysis examined …
Opioid Deaths Reach Lowest Level in Nearly a Decade
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The number of people who have died due to opioid overdoses have dropped since the emergency began back in 2017. In part., we can thank programs like inpatient care and local Narcotics Anonymous chapters. A new analysis also documents fewer opioid prescriptions from retail pharmacies.
Treatment & Prescribing Trends
The Health Affairs Forefront analysis examined pharmacies from March 2015 through March 2026. Indeed, opioid prescriptions dispensed fell to 45.3% of their March 2015 level, while total opioid dosage dispensed fell to 35.2% of the baseline.
The number of patients receiving prescription opioids via pharmacies fell to 49.6% of the baseline while orders for medications to combat addictions jumped 218%. However, the data doesn’t detail any of the patients’ plans.
Buprenorphine can reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors and is used for opioid or alcohol use disorders after appropriate clinical screening.
Number Crunching the Stats
Opioid deaths have fallen for a while and have now hit the lowest point since 2017, the crisis’s start date. That’s a great starting point and shows that many programs on the national and local level have worked. Community responses like Narcotics Anonymous have done their part in encouraging folks to open up and battle stigmas while supporting their families.
However, do note that the pharmacy data and mortality measure different things. Lower dispensing can lead to fewer exposures to opioids and more access to medication. But underlying factors like the street drug supply or every barrier to care are reflected.
Naloxone & More
Just because numbers have fallen doesn’t mean people aren’t at risk of an overdose. Drugs like fentanyl still kill. Naloxone/Narcan can reverse an opioid overdose for a short time while you summon emergency help immediately.
Medications and peer support also help many people either together or on their own. Narcotics Anonymous groups are more than just a place to hang out with neighbors and talk about their experiences and share stories. The mentorship extends to your family and all are always welcomed. And don’t forget that all NA chapters are free when it comes to enrolling.
Sometimes, people might be nervous about attending or not sure where to look when it comes to finding a chapter in their neighborhood. That’s okay. That’s where our directory comes in. Browse today to find a local NA group in your town by state and city.
Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to chat with an expert and explore local options.
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