Fentanyl overdoses among seniors surge 9k% – A hidden crisis few saw coming
10 hours ago
- #fentanyl
- #overdose
- #seniors
- Fentanyl-stimulant overdoses among seniors have surged by 9,000% in eight years.
- The opioid epidemic's fourth wave now significantly impacts older adults, with cocaine and methamphetamines as leading culprits.
- Older adults face higher overdose risks due to chronic illnesses, multiple medications, and slower drug metabolism.
- The study analyzed CDC data from 1999-2023, revealing a sharp rise in fentanyl-stimulant deaths among seniors starting in 2020.
- Experts recommend harm-reduction strategies, including naloxone education, non-opioid pain management, and caregiver involvement.
- Anesthesiologists are urged to screen older patients for substance use and adjust perioperative planning accordingly.