Unless you have been living under a rock for the last for years, there’s no doubt heard the term “opioid epidemic” get thrown around on the news. The opioid epidemic, also commonly referred to as the “opioid crisis” has quickly become a hot topic among the media and politicians alike. So, what exactly is the opioid epidemic, an opioid and how did all of this get started?

What Is the Opioid Epidemic?

The opioid epidemic/crisis specifically refers to the growing number of opioid related deaths and hospitalizations from prescriptions, illicit drugs, and analogues in recent years. Death rates from opiate drugs have ramped up to over 115 a day. Across the United States of America, drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death, largely due to the opioid epidemic that is continuing to spiral out of control. Although the opioid epidemic first gained mass attention around 2010, the factors behind it actually started several years earlier.

Back in the 1990s, pharmaceutical companies began looking for new painkillers to push out to the market, they began to push synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids to doctors around the United States. These companies claimed these drugs were less addictive than morphine and had no dangerous side effects. It is believed that about 80% of people suffering from an addiction to heroin started with a prescription for an opioid pain reliever.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a classification of drug that is derived from opium or a synthetic version of opium often used to treat pain in patients. Morphine was widely used for many years until stronger/weaker version of opiate medications were created.

Audubon, NJ Opioid Treatment

Are you or a loved one affected by the opioid crisis? Interested in starting opioid treatment in Audubon, New Jersey? At Clear Horizons Healthcare we are dedicated to helping America with the opioid epidemic and are proud to offer drug rehabilitation in Audubon. Contact our rehab facility near you today to learn more about how we can help you live a more sober and healthy life.