Opioid Epidemic

An Opioid Epidemic is an epidemic that involved Opioid abuse.

• Context:
  • It can be associated with Drug Overprescription.
  • …
• Example(s):
  • …
• Counter-Example(s):
  • HIV Epidemic.
• See: Substance Abuse, Opioid, Oxycodone, Oxycodone/Paracetamol, Hydrocodone, Hydrocodone/Paracetamol.

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References

2022

• (Wikipedia, 2022) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/opioid_epidemic Retrieved:2022-3-18.
  • The opioid epidemic, also referred to as the opioid crisis, is the phrase used to describe the overuse, misuse/abuse, and overdose deaths attributed either in part or in whole to the class of drugs opiates/opioids, and the significant medical, social, psychological, and economic consequences of the medical, non-medical, and recreational use of these medications.

    Opioids are a diverse class of moderate to strong painkillers, including oxycodone (commonly sold under the trade names OxyContin and Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco), and fentanyl, which is a very strong painkiller that is synthesized to resemble other opiates such as opium-derived morphine and heroin. The potency and availability of these substances, despite the potential risk of addiction and overdose, have made them popular both as medical treatments and as recreational drugs. Due to the sedative effects of opioids on the respiratory center of the medulla oblongata, opioids in high doses present the potential for respiratory depression and may cause respiratory failure and death. Opioids are highly effective for treating acute pain, but a debate rages over whether they are effective in treating chronic (long term) or high impact intractable pain, as the risks may outweigh the benefits.

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