While Greater Attention Given To Combating Synthetic Opioids Agencies Need To

The opioid crisis continues to be a major public health concern in the United States. In 2019, more than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses, with more than 70% of those deaths involving opioids. Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are now the leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S.

While greater attention has been given to combating synthetic opioids in recent years, agencies need to do more to address the root causes of the crisis. These include poverty, unemployment, and mental illness. Agencies also need to do a better job of providing treatment and support services to people who are struggling with opioid addiction.

ILLICIT OPIOIDS: While Greater Attention Given to Combating Synthetic Opioids, Agencies Need to Better Assess their Efforts (GAO - DOJ)

by Luis Pazos

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3530 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	117 pages
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The Opioid Crisis in the United States

The opioid crisis is a public health emergency that has been devastating communities across the United States. In 2019, more than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses, with more than 70% of those deaths involving opioids. Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are now the leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S.

The opioid crisis has had a significant impact on the nation's economy. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that the opioid crisis cost the U.S. economy $1 trillion. This includes the cost of healthcare, lost productivity, and law enforcement.

The opioid crisis has also had a devastating impact on families and communities. Opioid addiction can lead to job loss, homelessness, and crime. It can also damage relationships and destroy lives.

The Role of Agencies in Addressing the Opioid Crisis

Agencies have a critical role to play in addressing the opioid crisis. These agencies include federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as non-profit organizations.

Agencies can play a role in addressing the opioid crisis by:

• Providing prevention and education programs
• Providing treatment and support services
• Enforcing laws against the illegal sale and distribution of opioids
• Supporting research on opioid addiction and treatment

The Need for a Comprehensive Approach to Addressing the Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive approach to address. This approach should include:

• Increased funding for prevention and treatment programs
• Improved access to naloxone, a life-saving overdose-reversal drug
• Expanded access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT),which is the most effective treatment for opioid addiction
• Increased enforcement of laws against the illegal sale and distribution of opioids
• Support for research on opioid addiction and treatment

By working together, agencies can help to address the opioid crisis and save lives.

The opioid crisis is a serious public health emergency that requires a comprehensive approach to address. Agencies have a critical role to play in addressing the crisis by providing prevention and treatment services, enforcing laws against the illegal sale and distribution of opioids, and supporting research. By working together, agencies can help to save lives and address the opioid crisis.

Call to Action

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to help you get the treatment you need.

To learn more about the opioid crisis and how to get help, please visit the following websites:

• CDC: Opioid Overdose
• SAMHSA: Opioid Crisis
• NIDA: Opioid Overdose

ILLICIT OPIOIDS: While Greater Attention Given to Combating Synthetic Opioids, Agencies Need to Better Assess their Efforts (GAO - DOJ)

by Luis Pazos

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3530 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	117 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE