The Shocking Truth: Opioids Are Responsible for the Majority of Child Poisoning Deaths

Are you aware that opioids are the leading cause of child poisoning deaths in the United States? It’s a shocking reality that many parents and caregivers aren’t aware of, but it’s time to face this harsh truth. The misuse and abuse of these powerful drugs have tragic consequences for our youngest generation, and we need to take action to protect them. In this blog post, we’ll unravel the startling statistics behind opioid-related poisonings among children, explore their causes, and discuss how we can prevent future tragedies from occurring. Join us as we uncover the sobering truth about this urgent public health issue.

The Shocking Truth: Opioids Are Responsible for the Majority of Child Poisoning Deaths

In the United States, opioids are responsible for the majority of child poisoning deaths. In fact, from 1999 to 2016, opioids were involved in more than half of all such fatalities nationwide.

The vast majority of these deaths are accidental. Children may find and ingest pills that have been left within their reach, or they may be given the wrong dosage by adults. In some cases, children may deliberately take opioids in an attempt to get high.

Regardless of the circumstances, the results are often tragic. Opioid overdoses can cause respiratory failure and death within minutes. Even if a child survives an overdose, they may suffer permanent brain damage or other serious health problems.

The best way to prevent child opioid poisoning is to keep all prescription and over-the-counter medications out of reach and sight of children. If you must take opioids yourself, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and disposing of any unused pills properly.

The Most Common Opioids Responsible for Child Poisoning Deaths

In the United States, opioids are now the most common type of drugs involved in child poisoning deaths. In fact, they are responsible for more than three-quarters of all child poisoning fatalities. The most common opioids that cause these deaths are prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone. Other opioids that are commonly involved in child poisonings include heroin and fentanyl.

These drugs are so dangerous to children because they are highly potent and can easily cause an overdose. Even a small amount of these drugs can be deadly to a child. That’s why it’s so important to keep them out of reach and properly dispose of them when they are no longer needed.

How to Prevent Your Child from Being Poisoned by Opioids

In the United States, opioids are responsible for the majority of child poisoning deaths. In fact, from 1999 to 2016, opioids were involved in more than 5,000 pediatric deaths.1

The best way to prevent your child from being poisoned by opioids is to make sure they never have access to them in the first place. If you or someone in your household is prescribed opioids, take steps to keep them out of reach and sight of children. Store them in a locked cabinet or box and dispose of unused pills properly.

If your child does accidentally ingest opioids, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Opioid overdoses can be deadly, so don’t hesitate to call 911 if you think your child may have consumed even a small amount of medication.

1https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/p0630-child-opioid-deaths.html

Conclusion

The opioid epidemic has had a devastating effect on the lives of people across the United States, especially children. Unsupervised access to prescription and illicit opioids has caused a sharp rise in child poisoning deaths due to accidental ingestion. It is essential for parents and caregivers alike to understand the risks associated with these drugs, as well as proper storage techniques such as using safety locks or storing them away from children’s reach. Taking these simple steps can help protect our children and prevent senseless tragedies from occurring due to improper opioid use.