New data shows suicide deaths and drug overdoses have risen to alarming levels in 2017



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WASHINGTON and OAKLAND, California, November 29, 2018 / PRNewswire / – At the national level, the number of deaths due to drug overdose and suicide has increased last year, according to data released today by national centers for health statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and badyzed by Trust for America's Health (Wellbeing) Trust (WBT).

In 2017, 70,237 Americans died from a drug overdose, a rate of 21.7 deaths per 100,000 population. In comparison, 63,600 Americans died of drug overdose in 2016, a rate of 19.8 deaths per 100,000 population. Nationally, the 2017 rate was 9.6% higher than the 2016 rate.

In 2017, 47,173 Americans committed suicide. Suicides accounted for 14.0 deaths per 100,000 population in 2017, compared with 13.5 deaths per 100,000 population in 2016, an increase of 3.7%. Between 1999 and 2017, the age-adjusted suicide rate increased by 33% from 10.5 per 100,000 deaths to 14.0 per 100,000.

According to the badysis of TFAH and WBT:

  • West Virginia continued to record the highest rate of drug overdose deaths (57.8 deaths per 100,000 population) in 2017. Ohio was second (46.3 per 100,000) and Pennsylvania was third (44.3 deaths per 100,000).
  • Rates of drug overdose deaths were higher in 2017 than in 2016 in 39 states and District of Colombia. The states with the highest rate of drug overdose deaths between 2016 and 2017 are: New Jersey (29% increase), Nebraska (27% increase), Indiana (Increase of 23%), and North Carolina (Increase of 22%).
  • Drug overdose mortality rates were lower in 8 states. Most were less densely populated states: Wyoming (Decrease of 31%), North Dakota (Decrease of 13%), Oklahoma (Decrease of 7%), New Hampshire (Decrease of 5%), Idaho (Decrease of 5%), Mbadachusetts (4% decrease), New Mexico (Decrease of 2%) and Missouri (Decrease of 1%).
  • The increase in opioid overdose rates is attributable to a 45% increase in the mortality rate from synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. Heroin, natural and semi-synthetic opioids, and methadone overdoses were stable or decreased nationally.

"Just a person who dies of a preventable cause, it's a death too much," said Benjamin F. Miller, Psy.D., Head of Strategy, WBT. "The evidence provides clear ways to more proactively deal with substance abuse and strengthen the resilience of our communities, but our country has not yet given priority to investing in Prevention and intervention If we continue to not put money and common sense into a systematic approach to prevention and treatment, we will never be able to ensure optimal health and well-being at our country. "

In addition, the badysis revealed that while the number of drug overdose deaths continues to be historically and tragically high across the country, the epidemic continues to have a differentiated impact on some groups of the population. population compared to 2016:

  • Drug overdose rate for men: 11.1% increase
  • Drug overdose rate in women: 7.5% increase
  • Drug overdose rates among 15 to 24 year olds increased 1.6%
  • Drug overdose rates among 25 to 34 year olds increased 11.0%
  • Drug overdose rates among 35- to 44-year-olds increased 11.4%
  • Drug overdose rates among 45 to 54 year olds increased by 9.3%
  • Drug overdose rates among 55- to 64-year-olds increased 9.4%

"Another year of increasing the number of drug overdose deaths is a national emergency, so do not overdo it," said John Auerbach, President and CEO of the Trust for America & # 39; s Health. "The government and the health sector at all levels need to take a holistic approach and intensify their efforts to prevent substance abuse and suicide attempts by tackling their underlying causes. to a crisis that requires a multifaceted response and the skills of the public health sector. "

Last year, TFAH and WBT released Pain in the Nation: Drug, Alcohol and Suicide Outbreaks and the Need for a National Resilience Strategy, which included recommendations for evidence-based policies and programs that federal, regional and local officials should put in place or expand to combat drug misuse and save lives. These recommendations include:

  • Identify and manage "upstream" risks such as trauma and extreme stress.
  • Strengthen resilience in children and adults through programs in schools, workplaces and community settings.
  • Promote responsible prescribing practices for opioids.
  • Patient information on opioid dependence risks.
  • Improvement of non-drug pain management interventions.
  • Increased availability and use of emergency drugs.
  • Improve and enforce the laws on parity in mental health.
  • Drug elimination programs.
  • Support for "comprehensive" health care, including mental and behavioral health, drug testing in primary care settings, and evidence-based drug treatment programs.

Trust for the health of America is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes the best health of every person and every community and makes the prevention of disease and injury a national priority – www.tfah.org.

Well-being Confidence is a national foundation dedicated to promoting the mental, social and spiritual health of the nation. Created to include organizations from all sectors and perspectives, Well Being Trust is committed to innovating and addressing the most critical mental health challenges facing America, as well as transforming well-being individuals and communities. www.wellbeingtrust.org. Twitter: @WellBeingTrust

SOURCE Trust for America & # 39; s Health

Related Links

http://www.tfah.org

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