2023-07-04 03:00:25
Title: Alarming Increase in Deliberate Overdoses Among Young People Raises Concerns
Subtitle: Poison Center Reports Show Disturbing Trends in Medication Overdoses
Date: [Insert Date]
In a concerning trend, an increasing number of young people aged 13 to 17 have been deliberately overdosing on common medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, according to a report by the Poison Center (NVIC) at UMC Utrecht. The center saw a dramatic 37 percent increase in reports of deliberate overdoses in 2022 compared to the previous year, with a total of 1439 cases reported. Furthermore, there was a significant 45 percent increase in such cases in 2021.
Analyzing the reports, experts at the poison center found that the rise in overdose cases began in July 2020 and was predominantly observed among girls aged 13 to 15 years. Professor Dylan de Lange, intensivist-toxicologist and head of NVIC, described the situation as “disturbing” and emphasized the need for attention and intervention.
It is important to note that a deliberate overdose does not necessarily imply a desire for suicide, as explained by Bas Oude Ophuis, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at UMC Utrecht. However, he stressed that such incidents indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
The NVIC has provided a helpline for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, allowing them to seek anonymous assistance. Individuals can reach out to 113.nl, call 113, or dial the toll-free number 0800-0113 for support.
In addition to the rise in intentional overdoses, the poison center also received an alarming number of inquiries from healthcare providers across the country regarding patients suffering from poisoning. In 2021, a total of 45,185 poisoning cases were reported, including 9,244 cases involving animals.
Notably, the consequences of the overdoses are not uniformly documented. However, experts warn that common over-the-counter medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen are not without risks. Overdosing on these drugs can lead to severe liver and kidney damage, and in some cases, prove fatal.
The annual review also revealed two other notable trends. The poison center witnessed an increase in poisonings related to benzodiazepines, sedative drugs that are sometimes abused. A total of 195 poisonings were reported in this category. Additionally, the number of workplace poisonings saw an uptick in 2022 after three years of stability. Of the 921 reports received by the center, many involved chemical exposure to employees’ eyes.
As these unsettling trends continue to emerge, it is crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and provide support to young individuals at risk.]
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