Many parents don’t realize the risk that their kids face for opioid addiction. Julie Gunlock from Independent Women’s Forum shared new research on opioid addiction in young people on Bold TV.

Gunlock recently wrote in the Washington Examiner about a study in the medical journal Pediatrics that found hospitalizations of kids ages 12-17 due to opioid overdose doubled since 2004. There are a variety of factors associated with this crisis, one of them reportedly being increased young adult athletic participation. Gunlock writes:

“At least some of the increase can be linked to the fact that teen and young adult athletic participation is increasing, and as these sport programs have become more competitive, injuries have similarly increased.”

Gunlock recently wrote a column citing an additional study that found between 2006 and 2013, surgeries for sport-related injuries in youth increased by 55 percent, many of which required pain medications during recovery.  

Gunlock told Bold TV, “I think parents of especially sports-minded kids need to realize that this is a true risk.” She also said she advocates for speaking openly and honestly with your children, to educate them.

Watch above or on our Facebook page. 

Editor’s Note: Independent Women’s Forum is a Bold sponsor.

Photo credit: FreeImage.com

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