The numbers are stunning: 1,643% increase in rates of deaths involving synthetic opioids. A 915% increase for heroin, 830% for benzodiazepines. Even more stunning: Those are the increases only in overdose death rates for women aged 30 to 64 years.
According to CDC data, between 1999 and 2010, the largest percentage change in the rates of overall drug overdose deaths was among women aged between 45 and 64 years. But that research did not account for trends in specific drugs or consider changes in age group distributions, say researchers from the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
They examined overdose death rates among women aged 30 to 64 years between 1999 and 2017. The unadjusted death rate jumped 260%, from 4,314 deaths to 18,110 deaths. Among women aged 55 to 59 years, the number of deaths involving antidepressants increased approximately 300%; among women aged 60 to 64 years, nearly 400%. The crude rate of deaths involving prescription opioids skyrocketed > 1,000%.
The drug epidemic is “evolving,” the researchers note. In 1999, overdose death rates were highest among women aged 40 to 44 years. In 2017, they were highest among women aged 50 to 54 years. And as demographics shift, prevention programs need to shift as well. As women age, the researchers say, individual experiences can change the type of substance used or misused and in the experiences of pain that might result in an opioid prescription.
The researchers note that “substantial work” has focused on informing women of childbearing age about the risks and benefits of certain drugs. The current analysis demonstrates “the remaining need” to consider middle-aged women who are at risk.
Targeted efforts are needed, and the researchers suggest interventions: Medicaid and other health insurance programs can review records of controlled substance prescribing. States and local communities can expand capacity of drug use disorder treatments and links to care, particularly adding “gender-responsive” substance use disorder treatment centers.
A “multifaceted approach involving the full spectrum of care services is likely necessary,” the researchers say. Health care practitioners who treat women for pain, depression, or anxiety can discuss treatment options that consider the unique biopsychosocial needs of women.
Health care practitioners also can consider implementing the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, which says “Opioids are not first-line or routine therapy for chronic pain.” The guideline also says before starting and periodically during opioid therapy, clinicians should discuss with patients the “known risks and realistic benefits of opioid therapy.” In other words, listen to the women and prescribe carefully.