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Opioid Crisis: Addiction & Overdose

Opioid Epidemic in the United States

Addiction

Addiction is a "chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive (or difficult to control) drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences, as well as long-lasting changes in the brain” (National Institute on Drug Abuse).

Addiction is:

  • A chronic disease
  • A brain disorder
  • Complex
  • Treatable

Addiction is not:

  • A character flaw or moral failing

There is often an unfortunate stigma and shame associated with addiction.

  • “Many people believe that addiction is a moral problem and that people with substance use disorders choose to continue using drugs. Unlike people with other chronic health conditions, those in recovery from addiction are blamed for their problems. This stigma creates shame, guilt and fear, which prevent millions of people from getting the treatment they need to recover" (DrugRehab.com by Advanced Recovery Systems).
  • “We must help everyone see that addiction is not a character flaw – it is a chronic illness that we must approach with the same skill and compassion with which we approach heart disease, diabetes, and cancer" (Report from Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, 2016).

Learn more about the shame and stigma of addiction from this short "Reinventing Recovery in North Dakota" video.

Opioid Overdose

  • When people take high doses of opioids, it can cause an overdose.
    • Opioids overwhelm receptors in the brain and block the body’s ability to breathe.
    • Opioids also cause sleepiness.
    • Breathing becomes slower and shallower.
  • This leads to low oxygen levels.
    • Which can cause damage to the brain and heart.
    • Eventually, the heart can slow and stop.
  • ANYONE who is taking opioids can be at risk of an overdose.
  • But there is a greater risk if you:
    • Take illegal opioids
    • Take high daily dosages
    • Take more than prescribed
    • Combine opioids with alcohol and/or other drugs
    • Are over 65 years old
    • Have certain medical conditions (sleep apnea, reduced liver or kidney function, depression, HIV, etc.)
    • Have a history of substance abuse or have been recently been released from treatment
    • Have easy access to opioids
  • Unresponsive to voice or touch
  • Snoring, furgling, or gasping sounds
  • Vomiting
  • Limp body
  • Breathing is very slow, irregular, or has stopped
  • Lips or fingernails are blue or purple
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Pupils are tiny
  • Clammy or cold skin
  • Pale face

Signs of an Opioid Overdose (Graphics)

Signs of an Opioid Emergency

Image source: Be Aware, Be Prepared (ADAPT Pharma)

Signs of an Opioid Emergency

Image source: Behavioral Health Division - North Dakota Department of Human Services

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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.