The Current Prescription Opioid Problem

Go to this website to find out where you can get a free naloxone kit. It can save a life! There are directions how to use it on the actual kit. https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free

Education is the largest and simplest area to target to reduce opioid use. The school system plays a large role in educating students on the dangers of drugs. However, there are more areas that are important for education. Parents need to know the facts about opioids and drugs to see warning signs in their children and help talk to them about this information. Government funded initiatives are a great option to educate the population through television, community centres, etc. There are an infinite number of ways to educate people and different ways will reach other people. Access to treatment is another way to combat this issue. Many people are aware of their problem but don't know how to access help or there is a stigma facing reaching out for help. Education can be used to reduce the stigma but it is up to facilities to become more vocal and accessible to individuals to attempt to reduce the drug use and help individuals.

- In 2016, there were 21.5 million opioids dispensed across the country - While there has been a slight decrease in number of opioids being prescribed, there has been a 10% increase in the total strong opioids prescribed since 2012 - 60% of students in grade 7-12 who misuse prescription opioids obtain them from within their own home - 23,000 people died in the United States from prescription opioid overdose in 2015 - Mixing them with alcohol or overdosing on their own can cause respiratory functioning to cease leading to death - Addiction needs to be taken seriously and can be treated!

This presentation gives some more information abuse substance abuse and prescription opioids. Not only does it also talk about solutions, it also talks about some major benefits to solving the substance abuse issue. https://prezi.com/p/uqs0jhn3n7w9/

This is an infographic on the major problems with drug abuse as well as potential solutions. It is important to talk about these things since this is a growing problem in our country that is often ignored!