Opioid Dependency is on the Rise in the US

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the number of preventable deaths in the U.S. increased 11.9% in 2021 to 224,935, an all-time high. A 17.6% increase in drug overdose deaths helped drive this record high. A total of 98,268 people died from drug overdoses in 2021, also an all-time high. And according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace unintentional overdose deaths from nonmedical use of drugs or alcohol have increased 619% since 2011. Overdose deaths in 2022 totaled 525, equivalent to nearly 9.6% of all occupational injury deaths that year. Increases have been experienced among all employee demographics, industries, and occupations. The main driver of these deaths is opioids.

What are Opioids?

The CDC classifies opioids into two classes:

• Prescription Opioids are prescribed by doctors to relieve pain, but they can result in serious side effects and can be addictive. Examples include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin) and methadone.

• Non-Prescription Opioids have become much more common in recent years. Fentanyl is a synthetic pain reliever that is approved for treating severe pain. However, young people have been obtaining it illegally for many years. Heroin is another widely used non-prescription opioid. In many cases, opioid abusers begin with prescription medications before transitioning to illegal drugs. When used correctly under a health care provider's direction, prescription pain medicines are helpful. However, misusing prescription opioids risks dependence and addiction

Opioids can impair thinking and reaction time, which can lead to serious errors when performing tasks that require focus, attention to detail or the need to react quickly.  The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine cautions against chronic or acute opioid use in connection with positions such as operating heavy equipment, driving a forklift, working at heights or working at tasks requiring high levels of cognitive function.

 Opioid Addiction & Opioid Use Disorder

Many cases of opioid addiction begin with treating pain for an injury, including employees who get hurt on the job. A person can become addicted to opioids:

• If an employee is injured at work and is prescribed an opioid, they may become dependent upon the medication to manage their pain.

• If the physician determines their pain is no longer at the level where opioids are necessary, they may discontinue prescribing them.

• If an employee has a dependency problem, they can turn to other methods to find relief for their real or imagined pain. This can lead to the use of heroin or other similar drugs.

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior. When a person is given a prescription pain reliever, they may feel if one pill “calms down” the pain, two may stop it completely.  When drugs are misused, their pleasurable effect eventually makes a person want to keep using them.

The website for the Johns Hopkins Medicine offers more information concerning OUD:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/opioid-use-disorder

Signs and Symptoms of an Opioid Overdose

Opioid use can be fatal due to the effects of opioids on the part of the brain which regulates breathing. An opioid overdose can be identified by a combination of three hallmark symptoms:

        1.       A decreased level of consciousness/unresponsiveness

        2.       Pinpoint pupils.

        3.       Difficulties with breathing (slowed, shallow, or stopped breathing). 

Other opioid overdose symptoms include very pale and/or clammy skin, purple or blue lips or fingernails, vomiting or gurgling noises, and slowed or undetectable pulse.

 An opioid overdose is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate action. Quickly recognizing these signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose can help save someone’ life.  If you suspect an opioid overdose, call 911 and get emergency medical assistance right away.

 Treatment

OUD can be treated effectively. Treatment options include behavior modification and may incorporate pharmacological interventions.  Behavioral treatments help the addict deal with cravings, avoid situations where drugs are present and strengthen social support. Pharmacological interventions include the use of addiction medications.  Keep in mind that each individual would vary on the most effective measures to be utilized.

It is important to know that anyone can get addicted to not only opioids, but other substances as well, such as alcohol. There are resources to help if you feel that you are having issues.  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.  SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

ACS offers Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Training and First Aid/CPR Training for employers. Contact ACS (clientservices@acs-safety.com) today to schedule a training for your company.