Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam Practice Questions

Opioid deaths exceeding those from all illegal drugs are typically observed in the 45-56 age group. This demographic has experienced significant impacts from opioid-related crises, particularly due to prescribing practices and the availability of potent synthetic opioids.

As individuals in this age range often face various health challenges, they may also be more vulnerable to the misuse of prescription opioids, leading to higher mortality rates. The general trend indicates that as people age, cumulative exposure to medication, including opioids, can result in increased risks for overdose, especially when considering poly-drug use.

Younger age groups, while also affected by opioids, have not seen the same degree of surpassing illegal drug-related deaths as observed in the 45-56 age group. Older age groups, such as 57-65, may experience fewer instances of opioid-related deaths compared to the peak seen earlier in middle adulthood. Thus, it aligns with current research and statistics to identify the 45-56 age range as the group where opioid fatalities outpace those from illegal drugs.