Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page! We understand that you may have questions about our products/services and we’re here to provide you with answers. Below, you’ll find a list of some of the most common questions we receive from our customers, along with detailed answers to each one. Our goal is to make your experience with us as smooth and enjoyable as possible, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns. We hope you find this page helpful and informative!
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- What drugs are contributing to the opioid crisis?Opioids are contributing to the opioid crisis. They are divided into two broad categories: legally manufactured medications and illicit narcotics. Oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl are some examples of legally manufactured opioids, while heroin is an example of an illicit narcotic. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are driving a dramatic spike in overdose deaths.
- What is the scale of the epidemic?Opioids, primarily fentanyl, are the leading cause of U.S. overdose deaths, with over 80,000 deaths reported in 2021. The epidemic has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, with supply chain disruptions and social distancing measures leading to more people taking drugs alone.
- What are the demographics of the opioid crisis?Non-Hispanic white Americans account for close to 70 percent of the annual total of opioid-related deaths, while Black and Hispanic Americans account for around 17 and 12 percent of cases, respectively. Veterans, men, people with disabilities, those who have lost a spouse, renters, and those without health insurance are also hit hard.
- What are the economic consequences of the opioid crisis?The opioid epidemic has a major economic toll, costing the United States nearly $1.5 trillion in 2020, or 7 percent of GDP. The epidemic is also affecting the workforce, with opioid misuse leading to a reduction in labor force participation and productivity.
- How did the opioid problem start?The opioid problem started with the over prescription of legal pain medications, such as OxyContin, in the 1990s. Physicians increasingly prescribed opioids for chronic conditions, such as back or joint pain, despite concerns about their safety and effectiveness.
- How has the opioid crisis intensified in recent years?In recent years, influxes of cheap heroin and synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, supplied by foreign drug cartels have intensified the opioid crisis.
- How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the opioid crisis?The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the opioid crisis, with reported spikes in overdose deaths across the country. Disruptions to supply chains have forced people to turn to drugs they were less familiar with, and social distancing measures have meant more people were taking drugs alone.
- What is the most potent opioid?Fentanyl is the most potent opioid, some fifty times more potent than heroin.
- What is the role of drug cartels in the opioid crisis?Drug cartels have played a significant role in the opioid crisis by supplying cheap heroin and synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, to the United States. The cartels are able to produce synthetic opioids cheaply and easily, making them attractive to consumers.
- What policies are being experimented with to combat the opioid crisis?Authorities in the United States and many other countries where opioid deaths have spiked are experimenting with different policies to combat the crisis. Some policies include expanding access to addiction treatment, increasing regulation of prescription opioids, and cracking down on drug cartels.
