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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.
- Nationally, 66% of Americans believe that opioid misuse is a problem, but only 15% think it could happen to their children (Ohio Opioid Education Alliance).
- In North Dakota, over 75% of adults believe prescription drug use (among both youth and adults) is a serious problem in their community (Substance Use in North Dakota: Data Book 2019).
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.
