America’s opioid epidemic has reached staggering proportions, making it one of the most important health issues facing our nation.
These statistics on the opioid crisis from the National Institute on Drug Abuse give us a glimpse at some realities of this national situation:
- Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
- Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
- An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
- About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
The opioid epidemic is widespread and doesn’t discriminate. It is taking its toll on men and women of all ages, races, creeds and socio-economic backgrounds. From coast to coast and in everywhere in-between, American families and our communities are feeling the effects of this crisis.
As a part of the Beasley Best Community of Caring, Sunny 94.3 has created this online resource to provide you information that can inspire you to educate yourself on this national epidemic and how to help those you are affected by it.
Please check back often as our team will be adding new articles, strategies, and tools to help us work together to meet this challenge facing every community across America.