Drug overdose Death rates have never been higher. Data shows 18,893 overdose deaths involving opioid pain relievers this year, which is an increase of 16%, or 2,658 deaths, compared to last year’s data. Prescription opioid-related overdose deaths are increasing in part because deaths involving synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and tramadol, increased by 79% from 2013-2014, totaling 5,544 deaths in 2014. Heroin-related deaths have more than tripled since 2010.

Key Takeaways:

• Last year, for the first time, heroin deaths outnumbered gun deaths. While Americans angrily debate Second Amendment rights and the role of guns in society, they seem oblivious about soaring heroin use.
• New data show that kids are increasingly unlikely to do as well as their parents, at least financially.
• Among the reasons for this: A failing education system, poor vocational training, single-parent families and a decline in job creation.

“Last year, for the first time, heroin deaths Outnumbered Gun Deaths. While Americans Angrily Debate Second Amendment rights and the role of guns in society, they seem oblivious about soaring heroin use.”

http://www.investors.com/politics/editorials/reversing-the-tragic-trends-of-our-time/