Understanding Opioids and the Epidemic Impact

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin as well as synthetic opioids and prescription pain relievers such as fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), Dilaudid, Demerol, codeine, morphine, and methadone. These drugs work by blocking pain signals in the brain and altering brain chemistry, which can lead to drug tolerance, meaning that over time, higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect.

When prescribed by a doctor and taken for a short period, opioids can be safe and effective for managing acute and chronic pain. However, because opioids also produce euphoria, they can be misused, leading individuals to take larger doses than prescribed. This misuse can result in dependence, overdose, and even death. Some prescription opioid users may turn to heroin when their prescriptions run out or become too expensive.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 21,089 opioid overdose deaths in the United States in 2010. This number surged to approximately 80,400 in 2021, with 82% of these deaths involving synthetic opioids. The increase in deaths can partly be attributed to "boosting," where drugs like heroin are mixed with cheaper substances such as fentanyl and carfentanil, making the drugs more potent and increasing the risk of fatal overdoses.

Education and Prevention

Education is crucial in preventing substance abuse. The "Drugs of Abuse, A DEA Resource Guide" is a comprehensive resource detailing the most commonly abused and misused drugs in the United States. It provides essential information about the effects of drugs on the body and mind, overdose potential, origin, legal status, and other key facts. The guide also lists additional drug education and prevention resources, including DEA websites:

Florida's Response to the Opioid Epidemic

Florida has been a significant focal point in the nation's ongoing prescription drug epidemic, particularly due to unregulated pain clinics contributing to the opioid problem. To combat this, the state implemented legislation to regulate pain clinics and established a prescription drug monitoring program. Local governments have shifted focus from punishing drug users to investing millions in treatment and prevention programs.

On May 15, 2018, the Florida Attorney General's Office filed a lawsuit against some of the nation’s largest opioid manufacturers and distributors for their role in the opioid crisis. The Florida Opioid Allocation and Statewide Response Agreement mandates that counties establish an opioid task force or similar entity to address the epidemic. In Brevard County, the Opioid Misuse Task Force serves this purpose, working on substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.