The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that has swept across the United States in recent years. Opioids are a class of drugs that include both prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. These drugs are highly addictive and can have devastating consequences for individuals and their families. What’s worse is that traditionally-trained physicians continue to prescribe opioids to patients for pain that could be easily resolved through chiropractic care. Patients who were prescribed opioids for legitimate medical reasons often became addicted to the drugs, leading them to seek out illegal opioids like heroin when their prescriptions ran out.
The impact of the opioid epidemic has been widespread. According to the CDC, over 70,000 people died from drug overdoses in the United States in 2019, with opioids being involved in 70% of these deaths. This represents a significant increase from previous years, highlighting the severity of the crisis. In addition to the staggering number of overdose deaths, there has been a rise in opioid-related hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and criminal activity.
Addressing the opioid epidemic requires a multifaceted approach that includes increasing access to addiction treatment and recovery services, implementing stricter regulations on prescribing opioids, and raising awareness about the dangers of opioid use. It is also crucial to address the social and economic factors that contribute to substance abuse, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to healthcare.
While progress has been made in combating the opioid epidemic, there is still much work to be done. By understanding the essential facts about the opioid crisis and working together to implement evidence-based strategies, Hands for Life believes it can help prevent further loss of life to opioid abuse and misuse, and ensure that our community members struggling with opioid addiction receive the support and treatment they need to recover, whether or not the means are available to them.