Opioid Facts

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy plant. Some prescription opioid drugs are made from the plant directly, and others are made by scientists in labs using the same chemical structure. Read more HERE. See “Opioid Basics” from the CDC HERE.

How Serious is the Opioid Problem?

Drug overdose deaths, especially those involving opioids like heroin and fentanyl, have been increasing in the United States. The rise in opioid overdose deaths began in the late 1990s with the large increase in the number of prescriptions for opioid pain medications. Read more HERE.

Click HERE for a comprehensive resource guide for families.

Click HERE for facts about the opioid epidemic from the CDC.

Warning Signs of Opioid Use

Long-term use of prescription opioids, even as prescribed by a doctor, can cause some people to develop a tolerance. “Tolerance” means they need a higher dose and/or a more frequent dose of the drug to get the desired effects. Read more HERE.

For a Parent Toolkit to prevent opioid misuse, click HERE.