The National Opioid Epidemic

The National Opioid Epidemic refers to the widespread misuse and addiction to opioid medications, including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This crisis began in the late 1990s when doctors increasingly prescribed opioids for pain, often underestimating their addictive potential. As prescriptions rose, so did addiction rates and overdose deaths, drastically impacting communities across the country. Efforts to combat the epidemic involve improving prescription practices, increasing access to addiction treatment, and raising public awareness about the dangers of opioids. Addressing this crisis is crucial for public health and safety.