How Does the Opioid Epidemic Affect Us?

the problem

Opioid addiction and abuse have many negative effects on communities and families. Prisons, court systems, foster care systems, first responders, treatment programs, emergency rooms, and other community services are overwhelmed in communities with high rates of drug addiction. Some communities have seen a rise in rates of other diseases like HIV and hepatitis C due to needle use, as well as a rise in homelessness, crime, violence, and even newborns experiencing withdrawal from opioids when they are born.

Schools and workplaces are also dealing with the effects of families struggling with addiction. Those effects include poor attendance and people arriving unprepared for their responsibilities because their basic needs, like food and safety, are not met at home.

Many grandparents or other relatives have found themselves unexpectedly caring for the children of addicted or recovering parents. This arrangement is called kinship care, and it can pose financial and emotional challenges for both the kids and the new guardians.

In this video from the 2016 Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit, former President Barack Obama discusses the U.S. opioid crisis.