In our daily lives, we may simply obtain medicine from grocery shops or pharmacies. However, the number of drug-related deaths in the United States has climbed since 2017.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the number of drug-related fatalities has climbed dramatically since 2000, reaching 52,404 in 2015. (Graph 1). Furthermore, since 2008, there have been more deaths from drug usage than road accidents. Between 2000 and 2005, the death rate for men grew 2.5 times, from 8.3 to 20.3, and for women, it increased 2.8 times, from 4.1 to 11.8. (CDC). The death rate by age group ranged from 45-54 to 30 in 2015, although the increased rate of mortality from drug usage between 2000 and 2015 was in the range of 55-64 years, 25-34 years, and 65 years of age or more. As such, drug abuse should be taken seriously. This trend continued until 2015, which led to approximately 568,699 people’s lives. The situation has no signs of improvement. Unfortunately, heroin from Mexico was making the situation worse. As a result, drug misuse must be addressed seriously. This trend lasted until 2015, claiming the lives of 568,699 individuals. The situation does not appear to be improving. Unfortunately, heroin from Mexico was exacerbating the issue.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation after many deaths, the U.S. government began to come up with a solution. White House opioid commission declared a national emergency. President Trump said to reporters in New Jersey, “The opioid crisis is an emergency and I’m saying officially right now it is an emergency,” “We’re going to draw it up and we’re going to make it a national emergency. It is a serious problem, the likes of which we have never had.” This declaration allows governments to avoid rules and restrictions to facilitate action by providing additional funding more flexibly and expanding access to various forms of treatment. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States suggested using non-drug medications when prescribing painkillers for pain management and opted to limit the prescription term of narcotic painkillers. Meanwhile, the White House advocated for more drug addiction treatment, better access, and mandatory education on the absurdity of prescriptions.

As a result, the US government issued a counter-plea, but it was too late to stop it. Every year, individuals die as a result of drug usage, which must be stopped.

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