Kerby Anderson

The opioid epidemic in America will be getting more attention this month due to policy statements and popular magazines. A week ago, President Donald Trump declared the opioid epidemic to be a national emergency. Given the recent statistics, that might be an understatement. Last week, People Magazine featured the epidemic on it cover and shows pictures of the faces of the epidemic.

The statistics are alarming. Fatal overdoses from natural and semi synthetic opioids like morphine and oxycodone are at 24 percent. Fatal overdoses involving heroine have tripled in the last decade from 8 percent to 25 percent.

Nearly 200,000 Americans have died from overdoses related to prescription opioids. Overdose death rates were the highest for adults 45-54. The greatest increase in fatal overdoses was for adults 55-64. No wonder some refer to the opioid epidemic as this generation’s AIDS crisis.

All these statistics may even be under reported. One study estimated that due to variation from state to state in filling out death certificates, opioid deaths may be under reported nationally by as much as 24 percent. Many autopsies may show pneumonia as the case of death even when a toxicology report shows high levels of opioids in the body. Also many people die in ways related to opioid addiction (suicide, car accidents while driving under the influence).

Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) has also been looking at the possibility that the Medicaid expansion under ObamaCare may be contributing to the rise in opioid abuse. Most people who are prescribed painkillers don’t become addicted. But those who get hooked often turn to the streets.

All of this attention on the opioid epidemic is helpful if we are to address this crisis with compassion and sound policy.