Ultimately, drug problems do not seem to be losing steam in our country and have (instead) only progressed over the course of 18 years. From 1999 to 2017, the rate of overdoses and drug-related deaths have continued to increase, no thanks to the deadly presence of the Opioid Epidemic (possibly one of the worst public health crises since the AIDS outbreak of the 1970s and 1980s). However, medical professionals have made notes about the terrible consequences of drug use among women, specifically those between 34 to 60 years of age. Let’s take a closer look at the rate of drug-related overdose deaths among this age group.
No Uniform Pattern
Within the group of women ages 34 to 60, the rate of overdose-related deaths does not seem to follow a uniform pattern, as recent statistics have indicated. From 1999 to 2010, women between the ages of 45-55 and 55-64 experienced the biggest boom in drug-related fatalities, but researchers did not take into account which drugs were responsible for these deaths. To account for these faulty gaps, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documented the death rate among 34-60-year-old women from 1999 to 2017 and assessed different drug subcategories.
The Proof Is in the Pudding
Here is a closer look at what the CDC research team uncovered:
- Among women ages 34-60, the rate of drug-related overdose deaths increased by 260% (6.7 deaths per 100,000 females) to 4,314 total fatalities in 1999 to 24.3 deaths per 100,000 subjects in 2017.
- Deaths triggered by prescription opioids boosted from 1999 to 2017, with the largest increase taking place among women ages 55-64.
- From 1999 to 2017, drug-related overdose deaths increased by a staggering 200% among 35-39 and 45-49-year-old women.
- From 1999 to 2017, the highest rate of overdose deaths shifted from women ages 40-44 to women ages 50-54.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Addiction or Alcoholism
As we have seen, men and women react to drugs in different ways, but the manner in which they become addicted may vary greatly. Why certain people are driven to drug use might not be fully understood, but, in the very least, we can show love and respect for the people who successfully overcome this mental illness. Although you might endure great pain and frustration during the healing process, you can always find a way to get your life back on track.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
