The Opioid Crisis

By: Jenna Birrell

Opioids

Opioids are a group of drugs that include:

prescription pain relievers, heroin, and
synthetic opioids.
How do They Work?

Opioids work by
attaching to receptors in
your brain and body.
What Do They Do?

They replace feelings of pain with a sense

of pleasure
Effects of Opioids

The opioid crisis has negative effects on

physical and mental health, also the
economy.
Opioid Addiction is only getting worse
overtime
Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent
from July 2016 through September 2017
Why?

There are not enough regulations on

prescription opioids.
What is Being Done?

HHS’s 5 priorities to solve opioid epidemic

However, there is still so much that
needs to be done
My Plan

Very strict regulations on prescription

medications.
Other Things to Consider

Government funding used for a test that

determines how individuals brains handle
addiction
References
Park, A., & Moakley, P. (2017). The Life of an Addict. TIME Magazine, 190(21), 40–47. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com.libprox1.slcc.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=126134870&site=
eds-live

Public Affairs. (2019, September 4). What is the U.S. Opioid Epidemic? Retrieved December 9, 2019, from
https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/index.html.

Rothberg, R. L., & Stith, K. (2018). The Opioid Crisis and Federal Criminal Prosecution. Journal of Law, Medicine
and Ethics, (Issue 2), 292. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com.libprox1.slcc.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edshol&AN=edshol.hein.jou
rnals.medeth46.34&site=eds-live

STELLIN, S. (2018). Turning the Focus from Opioid Addiction to Treatment and Recovery. Nieman Reports,
72(1), 34–43. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com.libprox1.slcc.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ufh&AN=128189538&site=e
ds-live
More References...
Utah Department of Health, (November 1, 2016). Utah’s Opioid Crisis. Utah Business, 34(11), 28. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com.libprox1.slcc.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bwh&AN=119785290&site=
eds-live