Source: Newsweek
A new study published in the journal Pediatrics found that at least one in 10 children are prescribed opioids in cases where therapeutic options could be used instead.
The data is concurrent with the growing national opioid crisis which has affected thousands of adults, but also affects children.
The study specifically looked at patients from Tennessee and found that over a 15 year period, more than one million opioids and pain relievers were prescribed to children as young as 2 years old and up to 17 years old. Experts have argued that only minors with severe conditions should be receiving opioids.
Furthermore, for every 2611 children who were prescribed opioids, at least one was sent to the hospital for symptoms related to the use of the strong painkillers.
Read Full Story: Newsweek