Opioid epidemic is killing more than government shows

accurately collecting opioid-related data, one could argue, considering the alarming data already provided by the government, that it’s more important to increase investments in treatment, awareness, and prevention.

“We need to invest in all of these areas,” he said. “We need to spend more on treatment and prevention efforts. We also need to gather better information. Investing in information is likely to be relatively cheap, compared to some other areas, and may well have a high payoff. However, expanded treatment options are a top priority.”

Ruhm believes that his findings may supply valuable information to policymakers attempting to combat the increasing number of deadly opioid overdoses. He added that improved efforts against the opioid crisis are possible outcomes of providing more accurate data to regulators and to the public.

“Better information is needed to understand the underlying causes of the fatal drug epidemic and these are needed if we are to develop the most effective strategies to reduce its severity,” he said. “In addition, the information provided in this study will allow us to more effectively target existing policy efforts.”

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Livia Areas-Holmblad
Author: Livia Areas-Holmblad

Livia Holmblad is an editor at Addiction Now and covers breaking news, features and everything in between. She moved to SoCal after living in NYC for about 10 years, where she worked for VICE and SinoVision as a writer, editor, host, producer, and director. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro. Contact Livia at liviah@addictionnow.com

Summary
Opioid epidemic is killing more than government shows
Article Name
Opioid epidemic is killing more than government shows
Description
Federal data shows that heroin and other opioids have been increasingly deadly — now, killing an average of 91 Americans daily. Yet, this crisis may be even worse than the public thought. A new study shows that opioid-related death rates have been off by at least 24 percent nationwide.
Author
Livia Areas-Holmblad
Publisher Name
Addiction Now