What is opioid?
Opioids are a type of drug that includes both prescription painkillers and illegal drugs such as heroin. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which reduces the perception of pain. Opioids can be helpful for treating acute pain after an injury or surgery, but they come with a risk of addiction and overdose.
What is the opioid crisis?
The opioid crisis is a public health emergency caused by the widespread misuse of opioids. In 2016, more than 42,000 people died from overdoses involving opioids, and over 2 million people were addicted to opioids. The opioid crisis has been called the worst drug epidemic in American history and has had a devastating impact on families and communities across the country.
What is New York doing to combat the opioid crisis?
New York has implemented a number of initiatives to address the opioid epidemic. In 2012, the state launched the “I-STOP” program, which requires all prescriptions for controlled substances to be transmitted electronically to pharmacies. The goal of this program is to reduce prescription drug abuse and diversion.
In 2016, New York also enacted the “Combat Heroin Act,” which includes a number of provisions aimed at reducing opioid use and overdoses. For example, the act increases access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse an overdose; it strengthens prescription monitoring; and it creates new criminal penalties for dealers who sell opioids that cause death or serious injury.
The state has also invested in prevention and treatment programs. In 2017, New York allocated $200 million to expand access to substance abuse treatment and recovery services. This funding is being used to increase the number of inpatient and outpatient treatment beds, as well as to create new support services for people in recovery.
New York’s efforts to combat the opioid epidemic are ongoing, and the state has made some progress in recent years. However, there is still more work to be done to address this serious public health problem.
Are you or a loved one struggling with an addiction to opioids?
If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to opioids, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Addiction is a serious disease that can have devastating consequences if left untreated. There are many treatment options available, and recovery is possible.
Have you been injured by an opioid?
If you’ve been injured by an opioid, you may be entitled to compensation. Opioid addiction has caused a lot of harm, and many people have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of these drugs. If you’ve been injured, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer to find out if you have a case.