Column: The overlooked issue of substance-related deaths
Commander, U.S. Navy Ret. Ron Cuff
– I would like to bring attention to a concerning aspect of the recent “cause of death report” from San Luis Obispo Health Counts, highlighted in a September 18 article. While the report offered valuable insights into mortality rates by age group, it notably omitted a discussion of one of the most prevalent and preventable causes of death: substance use.
In the 35-45 age group, a staggering 71.5% of deaths were attributed to drugs and alcohol, with suicide—often linked to substance addiction—accounting for an additional 18%. This means that an alarming 89.5% of these deaths could potentially be prevented. Yet, the narrative accompanying the report focused on gender and race, without addressing this critical issue.
Every day, we hear about mass shootings, suicides, and accidental deaths, yet there appears to be a lack of transparency regarding drug and alcohol use in these contexts. Toxicology reports are infrequently conducted, and apart from cases involving automobile accidents involving alcohol, are seldom made public. I encourage readers to consider what may be behind this important information that is mostly being overlooked.
The political influence of the recreational drug and alcohol industries cannot be ignored and raises questions about the absence of comprehensive addiction prevention education in our public schools.
It may be surprising to learn that the fastest-growing segment of the population hospitalized for cannabis use in San Diego County consists of females ages 11-13, with females outnumbering males in cannabis use. The addiction industries are actively targeting young people to create lifelong customers, a strategy that seems to be working well for their shareholders.
Currently, around 30% of 11th graders are using substances, primarily cannabis and alcohol, which puts them on a path toward addiction. Ninety percent of individuals with a substance use disorder began using drugs or alcohol before age 18, during the crucial period of brain development. (NIDA)
It’s crucial that we openly discuss the issue of substance use and critical that parents, schools and elected officials implement primary drug prevention strategies to protect our youth.
Sincerely,
Ron Cuff
Paso Robles, Calif.
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