Opioids_Who_Is_Using.qxd

A Different Epidemic 11

do, how they work, who suffers from the epidemic, and how it happens. You’ll learn about a drug that has been around for hundreds of years in various forms. And about the latest devel- opments in synthetic opioid production and distribution. Despite the frightening statistics and serious health conse- quences from addiction, there is hope for recovery. While avoiding drug use to begin with is the easiest and best solution, we will also cover the range of options for recovery from this difficult problem.

Text-Dependent Questions

1. How has opioid abuse changed from the past to the present? 2. How does opioid addiction impact the community? 3. Has opioid addiction topped out or is it continuing to rise?

Research Project

What does the opioid addiction problem look like in your local community? For this research project, you will research what is happening. Three sources of information are necessary. These can be articles from the local or state newspapers, news videos about the problem, statements from law enforcement and medical personnel, even interviews with your school administrators or counselors. Ask: is opioid abuse a problem here? How has drug addiction changed over the last few years? What is being done to edu- cate people about drugs? When you are finished, write a one page essay about what you found. Be sure to list your sources at the end of your essay.