“Deaths of Despair” Millennials

Deaths of despair are losses related to drugs and alcohol, as well as death by suicide. Millennials are particularly susceptible.

There’s an unfortunate trend among millennials and it’s one that can be uncomfortable to talk about. So-called “deaths of despair” are increasing among millennials and young people. According toa report from the group Trust for America’s Health and Well-Being, deaths related to drugs, alcohol or suicide claimed 36,000 millennial lives in 2017. The report looked at millennials aged 23 to 38 and was based on recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Deaths of Despair Among People Aged 18-34

“Deaths of despair” is a general term for deaths related to suicide, as well asalcoholand drugs, including deaths stemming from opioid overdoses. These types of deaths have increased across all age groups in the past decade, particularly among younger Americans.

Keystatistics cited by the new reportincluded:

• In the ten years between 2007 and 2017, drug-related deaths went up 108% among adults aged 18 to 34
• During this same time, deaths related to alcohol increased 69%
• Suicides increased by 35%

Theopioid crisiswas a major driver of overdose-related deaths among millennials and other age groups. Opioids include prescription drugs,heroinand synthetic opioids likefentanyl. Recently, however, federal estimates show the rates ofopioid overdosedeaths may be starting to slow, at least a bit.

Heavy drinking also led to disproportionately higher rates of death among younger people than older people.

What’s Causing the Trend?

Researchers, doctors, and public health officials are looking at some of the reasons that young people are experiencing these high deaths rates related to drugs, alcohol, and suicide.

One reason noted in the report is that young people are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including behaviors related to drug and alcohol use.

However, there may be generational factors at play as well. For example, millennials are heavily affected by financial stress because of the student loan debt crisis, the rising cost of living, and health care issues. There may also be less social support for millennials than for older adults because fewer people in this age group participate in community or faith-based groups, and younger people are waiting longer to get married.

Another possible reason for the increase in deaths of despair include the struggles that came with trying to build and maintain a career during the great recession.Social media is sometimes implicated as a reason for rising rates of mental health issuessuch asanxietyanddepression. Younger people are constantly facing information about the lives of others, which can make them feel like they aren’t accomplishing enough or that their lives aren’t measuring up. There can be a sense of pressure that stems from social media, and it can reduce self-esteem.

Social media interactions may be less fulfilling and nurturing than real-life connections, and that can reduce the sense of connectedness and social support.

These trends are troubling not only from the standpoint of the millennials who are affected but also because these young people are becoming parents and their struggles with drugs, alcohol and mental health have the potential to impact future generations.

Are There Solutions?

Of course, there is no magic solution to the problems that are contributing to the deaths of despair, but the report does make suggestions. For example, makingmental healthscreening and treatment more accessible and part of routine health care is recommended.Preventionprograms and more readily available treatment forsubstance use disordermay help, as can the implementation of betterprescription drugpractices throughout the country.

More sweeping changes include improved affordability of health insurance, more taxes on alcohol, and better substance misusetreatment programswithin the criminal justice system as a disproportionate number of millennials are in jail or prison.

If you are struggling with substance misuse and mental health issues,reach out to The Recovery Village.You are not alone, help is available.