Opiate Crisis

The opiate crisis refers to the widespread misuse of opioid drugs, including prescription painkillers like oxycodone and heroin, leading to addiction, overdoses, and deaths. Overprescription, inadequate regulation, and socioeconomic factors contributed to increased availability and use. Many individuals develop dependence, and overdose deaths have soared, straining healthcare systems and communities. Addressing the crisis involves improving prescription practices, expanding addiction treatment, and promoting harm reduction strategies such as naloxone distribution to save lives.