Skip to Main Content
Opioid Crisis
- The opioid crisis, also known as the opioid epidemic, has become a legitimate and frightening problem in the country.
- It often starts with a pill: prescription opioid misuse can lead to more serious drugs (like heroin and fentanyl).
- The statistics (misuse, abuse, addiction, and overdose deaths) of the opioid crisis in the United States are staggering.
- Explore the pages, sub-pages, and resources in this guide to learn more.
- ANYONE can become addicted to opioids or develop a tolerance of physical dependence.
- Opioid abuse and misuse does NOT discriminate by race, age, or socioeconomic status.
- ANYONE who takes prescription opioids can become addicted. Once addicted, it can be hard to stop.
- Many people start using opioids legally for pain relief and then grow dependent on them (even if their pain has gone away).
- Prescription opioid misuse often leads to more serious drugs (like heroin and fentanyl).
- ANYONE who is taking opioids can be at risk of an overdose.
Many of these resources and programs are funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
