The Opioid Epidemic: What Is a Child Psychiatrist  to Do?

The United States is currently in the midst of a public health crisis due to the opioid epidemic. A record number of individuals —47,055—died of a drug overdose (OD) in 2014.1 Although the drug poisoning death rate has been highest among 45- to 54-year-olds, an increase in mortality has also been seen in youth. Poisoning deaths among adolescents increased by 91% between 2000 and 2009, largely due to an increase in OD from prescription drugs.2 All physicians, both pediatric and adult, are needed to change the course of the opioid epidemic.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Clinical perspectives Source Type: research