The opioid crisis, also referred to as the opioid epidemic, is a serious public health issue that has been plaguing the United States since the 1990s. It involves the overuse, misuse, and abuse of a class of drugs called opioids, which includes both legal prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, and illegal drugs like heroin and illicitly-made fentanyl.
The crisis began in the mid-1990s with the over-prescription of powerful opioids for pain management. This led to widespread misuse and addiction, as these drugs can produce euphoria in addition to pain relief. The situation was further exacerbated by the introduction of synthetic opioids like fentanyl into the illegal drug market.
The opioid crisis has had devastating consequences. From 1999 to 2016, it is estimated that over 453,300 Americans have died from opioid use. In addition to the tragic loss of life, the crisis has also led to significant social and economic burdens.
Efforts are being made to address the crisis through various means, including improving prescription practices, expanding access to treatment for addiction, and increasing availability of overdose-reversing drugs.