Youth Fentanyl Overdose Deaths Increase 182% in Two Years
A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a frightening increase in youth fentanyl overdose deaths from 2019 to 2021. Fentanyl abuse and a rise in youth substance youth disorders are the issue. In those two years, researchers found an 182% spike in youth fentanyl overdose deaths.
Given such dangers, Tarzana Treatment Centers highlights the significance of recovery options. Thus, both prevention efforts and SUD treatment services are a significant priority.
Overall, the increase in youth fentanyl overdose deaths reflects an increase in such deaths across the spectrum of American society. However, youth are more vulnerable because they lack impulse control and experience. Thus, the CDC recommends the following as a response to the rise in overdose deaths:
“Educating adolescents about the dangers of IMFs (illicitly manufactured fentanyl) and counterfeit pills, working with public safety to reduce the availability of illicit drugs, and ensuring access to evidence-based substance use and mental health treatment could save lives.”
Youth Fentanyl Overdose Deaths in the US
These findings are found in “Drug Overdose Deaths Among Persons Aged 10–19 Years — United States, July 2019–December 2021” by Lauren J. Tanz, ScD; Amanda T. Dinwiddie, MPH; Christine L. Mattson, Ph.D.; and colleagues. Thus, analyzing data submitted by jurisdictions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDD) State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS), the sharp rise became apparent.
Moreover, the data included death certificates, postmortem toxicology testing, and medical examiner or coroner reports. By examining such extensive reports, the research team could guarantee the validity of their findings.
From July 2019 to December 2021, 2,231 adolescent overdose deaths were in 47 jurisdictions. Of these deaths, 89 were among youth ages 10 to 14, and 2,142 were among youth ages 15 to 19. Additionally, deaths involving illicitly manufactured fentanyl increased from 21 to 44. Indeed, the numbers are frightening because they continue to rise.
Tarzana Treatment Centers and Youth SUD Services
As a Youth Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment provider, TTC knows that youth require extra support in the recovery process. Given the extreme stakes, accessing an SUD services provider with experience is critical. As fentanyl overdose deaths continue to spiral, help is needed.
Therefore, TTC focuses on both prevention efforts and treatment services for youth. First, prevention efforts raise awareness, helping youth avoid the risk of drug overdose. Second, when juveniles are in crisis, SUD treatment services help to save lives. If you want to learn more about these youth treatment services, please get in touch with us today.