The epidemic of opioid abuse, dependence, and overdose is a public health crisis. It is affecting people across the country from all areas and of all socioeconomic statuses. Adults are using opioids and the consequences are dire, but teens are also vulnerable.
Also known as: Happy Pills, Hillbilly Heroin, OC, Oxy, Percs, or Vikes
They are using prescription opioid painkillers and heroin, and they are mixing substances, raising the risks of serious consequences, including overdoses. Abusing any kind of drug is risky for teens, but opioids are especially dangerous.
The Opioid Crisis
Drug overdoses are now killing more Americans than guns and car accidents. This scary statistic can largely be blamed on opioid drugs. These are drugs that are based on the compound found naturally in the opium poppy. Prescription opioids, like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, are mostly used to treat pain but have been increasingly abused for the…
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Sara Felty 