Our nation is in the midst of an unprecedented opioid epidemic. The majority of drug overdose deaths (more than six out of ten) involved an opioid.
What are opioids?
Examples of opioids are: Painkillers such as; morphine, methadone, Buprenorphine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Heroin is also an opioid and is illegal. Opioid drugs sold under brand names include: OxyContin®, Percocet®, Palladone®(taken off the market 7/2005), Vicodin®, Percodan®, Tylox® and Demerol® among others.
Drug overdose deaths in 2016 most likely exceeded 59,000, the largest annual jump ever recorded in the United States, according to preliminary data compiled by The New York Times.
Although this epidemic is effecting our entire nation, each state and local government is having to increase efforts to combat the negative impact on their individual states.
The Governor of Arizona, Governor Doug Ducey recently signed an emergency declaration to address the growing number of opioid deaths in Arizona.
“As the number of opioid overdoses and deaths increase at an alarming rate, we must take action.” — Governor Doug Ducey.
Newly released data from the Arizona Department of Health Services shows in 2016, 790 Arizonans alone died from opioid overdoses — an average of more than two people per day. The trend shows an alarming increase of 74 percent over the past four years. The signed declaration by the governor directs the Arizona Department of Health Services to rapidly respond to Arizona’s public health emergency.
You can view a copy of Arizona’s emergency declaration along with information and updates on our progress in turning the tide on the Arizona opioid epidemic here: http://azhealth.gov/opioid.
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Seeking Help with Drug or Alcohol Addiction
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