The Opioid Crisis is Growing Across North America

Governments across North America are taking urgent action to address the growing opioid crisis that is drastically gaining momentum. Current interventions have proven to be ineffective when trying to manage the growing overdose numbers and the number of patients experiencing debilitating withdrawal symptoms. We have compiled the latest articles on the subject, contextualizing the crisis, and emphasizing the global need for innovative treatments to help patients. AphioTx is eager to fill the need for effective therapies to help patients overcome their withdrawal symptoms and break the cycle of opioid use.  

Overdose Deaths Reached Record High as the Pandemic Spreads – The New York Times 

More than 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in the yearlong period ending in April, government researchers said. This is a 30 per cent increase from the same time period in the previous year, according to stats from the National Center for Health Statistics. Synthetic opioids and fentanyl were named as the main drivers for the crisis, with an increase in other illicit drugs being laced with the potent opioid. Overdoses related to prescription opioids also increased dramatically.   

Governments have been called on to address the crisis, but this article also highlights access to effective treatments for opioid use disorder is urgently needed in the hands of medical professionals.  

Read the full New York Times article here.  

Inside Fentanyl’s Mounting Death Toll: ‘This Is Poison’ – The New York Times  

Overdose numbers skyrocketed from 2020 into 2021, according to this New York Times feature. The main culprit: Fentanyl. While this feature details the stories of former drug dealers and addicts, it also demonstrates the terrifying reality of the wide use and availability of this potentially deadly opioid. While on the streets, Fentanyl is laced with a wide array of other drugs, many cases of opioid use disorder and dependence begin at the clinical level.   

Opioid use disorder is potentially life-threatening, and an increasing number of people are becoming prone to developing it. This is where treatments like the one AphioTx is developing is desperately needed; to help patients navigate the difficult road to recovery and sobriety.   

Read the full New York Times article here.