The Three Waves of the Opioid Epidemic

The opioid epidemic refers to the dramatic increase in prescription and non-prescription use in the U.S. It also encompasses the opioid-related overdoses that resulted from that increase. Between 1999 and 2018, nearly 450,000 died from an overdose involving opioids.  The opioid-related deaths came in three distinct waves: Prescription opioids Heroin Synthetic opioids The first wave […]

Opioid Misuse: What You Should Know

opioid-abuse

Opioids are safe for most people when taken as prescribed for a short period. Unfortunately, many people misuse these medications to achieve a euphoric effect. By doing so, they increase the risk of addiction, overdose, and death. Here are a few things you should know about opioid misuse. How Do Opioids Work? Opioids affect many places […]