Facts on Opioid Addiction in Massachusetts:
- Opioids are a class of drugs found in the opium poppy plant. They are commonly used as painkillers.
- The most commonly used opioids are: OxyContin and Percocet (oxycodone), Vicodin (hydrocodone), Abstral, Fentora, and Duragesic (fentanyl), heroin, Duramorph (morphine), Demerol (meperidine) and Belbuca (buprenorphine).
- Massachusetts has one of the highest opioid overdose rates in the United States.
- In 2018, there were an estimated 1,974 fatal overdoses involving opioids in Massachusetts.
- Fentanyl-related deaths continue to increase. Fentanyl was present in 89% of 1,974 drug fatal overdoses in 2018.
- It is estimated that over 4% of Massachusetts is addicted to opioids.
Opioid-Related Deaths by Occupation:
- From 2011 to 2015 there were 150.6 deaths per 100,000 workers in construction and extraction industries. This rate accounts for roughly 24% of the working population in Massachusetts. The construction and extraction industry has an opioid death rate that is 6 times the average rate for Massachusetts workers.
- Workers in the farming, forestry, and fishery industries died at a rate of 143.9 per 100,000 workers. The farming, forestry, and fishery industries have an opioid death rate 5 times the average rate for Massachusetts workers.
Side Effects of Opioid Use:
- Poor Coordination
- Physical agitation
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Confusion
- Euphoria
- Slowed breathing
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
Symptoms of Overdose:
- Unresponsive
- Slowed breathing
- Erratic or no pulse
- Vomiting
- Small pupils
- Loss of consciousness
- Increased anxiety
- Psychosis
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
Risks Linked to Opioids:
- Heart complications
- Physical dependency (addiction)
- Respiratory depression
- Overdose and death
If a loved one or someone you know has been affected by opioids or overdosed on opioids, contact us at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers and let us get you the compensation you deserve for this unfortunate event.