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CDC Vital Signs: Today’s Heroin Epidemic, More people at risk, Multiple Drugs Abused

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) featured the topic of heroin prevalence in their latest Vital Signs issue. Today’s Heroin Epidemic uses the latest results of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and National Vital Statistics System reported during 2002–2013 to show the extent of the epidemic in the US. 

The results show that not only are people using heroin, they are also abusing multiple other substances, especially cocaine and prescription opioid painkillers.

“Further implementation of a comprehensive response that targets the wider range of demographic groups using heroin and addresses the key risk factors for heroin abuse and dependence is needed. Specific response needs include reducing inappropriate prescribing and use of opioids through early identification of persons demonstrating problematic use, stronger prescription drug monitoring programs, and other clinical measures; improving access to, and insurance coverage for, evidence-based substance abuse treatment, including medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders; and expanding overdose recognition and response training and access to naloxone to treat opioid pain reliever and heroin overdoses.”

 

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Source: CDC website

 

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