Opioids_Who_Is_Using.qxd

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Who Is Using Opioids and Opiates?

US Overdose Deaths Involving Opioid Painkillers, 1999–2014

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

1999 2000 2001 20022003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Source: Centers for Disease Control, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/health_policy/AADR_drug_poisoning_involving_OA_Heroin_US_2000-2014.pdf

due to opioid abuse occurred in a number of states: Maine, 26.2 percent; Connecticut, 25.6 percent; Maryland, 20.1; New Hampshire, 30.9 percent; New Jersey; Rhode Island; Kentucky, 21.1 percent; and Florida, 22.7 percent. Predictions from Columbia University experts state that overdose deaths may peak in 2017, though they are not predicted to fall until 2034. In 2016, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation for the Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week, which took place from September 18 through September 26. He called for increased awareness and funding for this pub- lic health crisis. Clearly, opioid-related abuse is not going any- where soon. The pages that follow will focus on what opioids