opioid epidemic

opioid epidemic

A public health crisis in the United States and Canada involving a sharp increase in the use of, addiction to, and overdoses from opioid drugs, especially since 2015 (although the trend is traced to the late 1990s). Opioids, typically used as prescription painkillers, include morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, as well as heroin, which is illegal. Ingesting high doses of opioids can cause respiratory failure and death. Also known as the "opioid crisis." The opioid epidemic has led to a staggering number of deaths in a short period of time.
See also: opioid
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • opioid
  • opioid crisis
  • mickey mouse habit
  • adulterate
  • adulterate (something) with (something)
  • adulterate with
  • progress to
  • progress to (something)
  • vice
  • vice ring
References in periodicals archive
In October 2017, President Donald Trump declared a "national health emergency" to address the opioid epidemic that has ravaged our country and taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans.
Foreign cartels are flooding U.S., Perry County with synthetic opioids
-- Despite the fact that a majority of Americans (75%) believe that people sharing or selling their unused prescriptions, including opioids (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine) is contributing to the growth of the opioid epidemic, many are still sharing prescriptions.
Opioid Crisis Has Not Reduced Sharing
Funds from the settlement are to be used in support of state initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic, including rehabilitation, job training, mental health and other important efforts.
McKesson Corporation (NYSE: MCK) - McKesson Reaches Settlement with State of West Virginia on Opioid Order Monitoring and Reporting -- 2/5/2019
Summary: TEHRAN (FNA)- The rate of deaths from drug overdoses among US women has soared in recent years as the country continues to combat its opioid epidemic, according to new data from the US government.
Report: Drug Overdose Deaths Soar Among US Women
The opioid epidemic in the United States has become one of the most severe public health crises our country has ever seen.
Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic in Oklahoma was one reason Valley Hope chose a new location for its outpatient facility.
Valley Hope to celebrate grand opening of outpatient facility
In July, the National Academy of Medicine announced a new public-private partnership across multiple sectors to drive solutions to the nation's worsening opioid epidemic.
Public-private team targets opioids
"This is the critical federal funding New Jersey needs to combat the growing opioid epidemic in our state," Menendez said in a statement.
Feds grant 30.6M to NJ to combat opioid problem
'TN Together' Plan to Curb State Opioid Epidemic Takes Effect
'TN Together' Plan to Curb State Opioid Epidemic Takes Effect
"The national opioid epidemic can turn around if we embrace opioid use disorder as a chronic medical condition that needs treatment instead of a moral issue or the result of poor willpower, " he added.
Routinely screening can prevent opioid use
of Americans believe that sharing and selling of unused prescriptions is contributing to the growth of the opioid epidemic.
Fast Facts Opioids in America
Speaking March 19 from New Hampshire, where the opioid epidemic is reported as acute, President Donald Trump announced a plan to combat the opioid epidemic.
President Unveils Plan to Combat Opioid Drug Addiction
The analysis found that in 2001, the opioid epidemic cost $29.1 billion per year and has ballooned to $115 billion per year by 2017.
Opioid Crisis Costs The US Over $1 Trillion
TheArizona Opioid Epidemic Actoffers important strategies to tackle our opioid epidemic.
Physicians are committed to ending the opioid epidemic