Despite Bucks County, specifically Levittown’s growing number of recovery homes aimed at treating patients that suffer from alcohol and substance abuse, the county currently leads Pennsylvania in the most overdose deaths of young men aged 19 to 25, according to a study released last week.
The Trust for America’s Health released a large study using data of substance abuse issues throughout the country, citing Pennsylvania as the leader in overdose deaths of young men from both illicit and legal drugs. When the state’s data was measured across both genders and ages 12 to 25, it came in fourth.
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Even more specific data from across the state labeled Bucks County as the area within Pennsylvania with the most fatalities related to substance abuse. Bucks County overdose rates have now surpassed Philadelphia’s, by more than triple.
The study listed 10 indicators which the organization believes may contribute to teens experimenting and later overdosing from illicit or legal substances. Pennsylvania failed in three categories including legislation that prevents bullying, screenings, interventions or referrals for drug treatment and support, and preventing teenage smoking.
A recent Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) report may point to why the Philadelphia region has been plagued with so many addicts seeking treatment. According to the report, some of the purest heroin in the nation passes through the metro area before it is distributed to wealthier suburbs who began their addiction hooked on pricer options like pain killers.
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Bristol Township, which has seen a supreme influx in the number of recovery homes designed for recovering addicts, will hold a town hall meeting this Wednesday, November 25, at 7 p.m. to discuss the issue.
