Increase in Opioid Overdose Among Baby Boomers and Millennials

While it may seem like there is a growing divide between baby boomers and millennials, there is one thing both generations share: an increase in opioid overdose. According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH), between 1999-2014, there has been a significant increase in deaths caused by overdosing on opioids and heroin. Taking a look at the demographic pool, the researchers further noted two distinct age groups stood out from the studied population.
Baby boomers were reported to have heightened death rates due to opioid overdose while millennials were struck hard by heroin or fentanyl overdose. In 2010, it was reported that people between the ages of 40-60 had an excess death increase of about 25%. The boomer generation had the fastest increase in deaths caused by opioid overdose than any other age group. The death rate for baby boomers due to overdose, however, was expected by the researchers. Due to their age, baby boomers have an increased risk of developing health issues that require long-term use of addicting medications such as pain killers. Further, the boomer generation is more likely to use illicit drugs which contributes to increased drug use and addiction. For patients addicted to opioids, medication assistance programs are utilized to wean the person off the drug and control their withdrawal symptoms.
Millennials, on the other hand, are plagued by heroin use. The same study suggested that millennials may be using heroin more due to the increased availability of the drug and a sense of wanting to be a part of new life experiences. The AJPH study further noted that among people between 20-30 years old heroin overdose increase faster, by about 20% in excess deaths, in comparison to other age groups. Heroin addiction, like opioid addiction, is usually treated through a medication assistance program. In recent years, methadone clinics have opened up across the country to offer aid to heroin addicts ready to kick the drug.
We at Hammerschmidt Law Corporation know how challenging it can be when a loved one is injured due to their addiction. If you need assistance filing a case against injuries caused by opioid use, contact our experienced lawyers today.