Over the years there has been a dramatic increase in deaths related to opioid overdoses. Nick Renn works with 20 funeral homes in South Jersey, he says when he started in the 80's, "overdose deaths were few and far between, now we're talking sometimes I may be preparing 10 people a week".
Renn says often there are numerous viewings going on at once for overdose victims. The victims ages tend to range from 20 to 60 years old and some victims appear to be lower class as well as some being upper class. The opioid epidemic has changed the climate of funeral homes and Renn observes many families who are devastated due to losing a loved one as a result of an opioid overdose. Despite many families being in pain due to the loss of someone from an opioid overdose, Renn says many families share what claimed there loved ones life in obituaries in hopes of preventing opioid abuse and even saving someone's life.
The increase in fatalities related to opioid overdoses, could possibly be related to the aggressive marketing portrayed by pharmaceutical companies. Resulting in a drastic increase in written prescriptions for opioids due to pharmaceutical companies wanting to make more money and there now being a greater social acceptability for patients taking these types of medications. The increase in prescriptions makes it easier to obtain opioids and results in an increase of opioid abuse. Often leading to addicts looking out cheaper ways to obtain the opioid high, resulting in the purchase of street drugs such as heroin.
Prescription opioids are safe and effective when used properly, but can be fatal if abused, the contrast of effects from opioids make it hard to convey the message that they are dangerous. I feel if drug awareness is spread and opioid abuse is discussed more it could potentially decrease the drug being abused, but overall I feel a resolution to the opioid epidemic long awaits us.
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