Study Shows Overdose Deaths In Teens, Elderly Increased Over Past 20 Years

A new study shows intentional overdose deaths are rising among some teen and elderly groups.

Health experts said the pandemic could be adding to the problem.

Layla Freeman is the founder and CEO of the local non-profit Light of Hope.

She lost her daughter to overdose in 2013 and hosts group sessions with other moms who know the pain of losing a child this way.

"I have three, maybe four additional moms who have lost their children to overdose deaths," Freeman said.

The numbers show that 1 in 100,000 women and girls between the ages of 15 and 24 overdosed in 2019.

That's up from 0.6 just 4 years earlier.

In men 75 to 84, the rate went from 0.7 per 100,000 in 2001 to 1.6 in 2019.

Stevi Parker with Parkside Hospital says she's seen more people looking for help with addiction since the pandemic started.

"For the acute level of care, we have had a lot of individuals seeking out treatment during the pandemic, and then specifically for our detox program," Harper said.

The study also says 5 to 7 percent of overdose deaths between 1999 and 2020 were recorded as intentional.

Harper says part of the battle is simply breaking the stigma of addiction.

"We also still hear individuals talk about it being a moral issue versus recognizing that it is an actual disease that is in the diagnostic manual," Harper said.

The study did find some good news.

Despite the increase in deaths among these groups, there's been an overall decrease in overdoses over the past 10 years.

Freeman says tough discussions are needed, and that just talking to someone can save a life.

"We have to take care of our mental health. We have to open the eyes and the ears of our society and let people know that it is OK to not be OK."

"If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, don't hesitate to call the number on your screen.