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Addiction and Overdose: Confronting an American Crisis

Ted Simmons

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Addiction and Overdose: Confronting an American Crisis

by Connie Goldsmith

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9192 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	132 pages

Addiction and overdose are major public health crises in the United States. In 2017, more than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses, a number that has been steadily increasing in recent years. The majority of these deaths are due to opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, and prescription painkillers.

Addiction is a complex disease that can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. It is often caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, environment, and personal experiences. People who are struggling with addiction often have difficulty controlling their drug use, and they may continue to use drugs even when they know it is harming them.

Overdose occurs when a person takes too much of a drug, causing their breathing to slow or stop. Overdoses can be fatal, and they are a leading cause of death among people who are addicted to drugs.

The opioid crisis has been particularly devastating in the United States. Opioids are powerful painkillers that are often prescribed for chronic pain. However, they are also highly addictive, and they can lead to overdose if they are not used properly.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is often mixed with other drugs, including heroin and cocaine, to increase their potency. Fentanyl is responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths in the United States.

The consequences of addiction and overdose are far-reaching. They can impact individuals, families, and communities. People who are struggling with addiction often lose their jobs, their homes, and their relationships. They may also experience health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.

Overdose deaths are a tragic loss of life. They can also have a ripple effect on families and communities. The sudden death of a loved one can be devastating, and it can lead to grief, depression, and anxiety.

There is no easy solution to the addiction and overdose crisis. However, there are a number of things that can be done to address this problem. These include: