2016 has been a devastating year for opioid related overdoses, specifically on the eastern seaboard. With rising supplies of heroin in major cities on the east coast coupled with a decline in prices, first responders and government agencies have been left scrambling in an attempt to control the number of overdoses and deaths. The problem has grown so large that the Obama administration announced an Opioid Awareness Week to spread awareness about the problem.
Opioid Awareness Week
This week, the Obama Administration has announced a Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week. The President had this to say: “During Prescription Opioid and Heroin Awareness Week, we pause to remember all those we have lost to opioid use disorder, we stand with the courageous individuals in recovery, and we recognize the importance of raising awareness of this epidemic.” (https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/09/19/fact-sheet-obama-administration-announces-prescription-opioid-and-heroin)
Events to Spread Awareness
As part of the Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week, treatment programs in the TRICARE health system are expanding to include more services to combat opioid use. This includes the creation of additional intensive outpatient programs and medication-assisted treatment programs.
The Food and Drug Administration has also announced the 2016 Naloxone App Competition, which is designed to foster competition in the creation of technologies to help first responders identify and treat the symptoms of opioid overdose. Additionally, health care professionals are being called upon to better educate themselves on the dangers of relying heavily on opioid prescriptions to treat their patients, and to instead consider alternate methods of treatment.
Opiate Treatment at Morningside Recovery
Morningside Recovery offers a variety of treatment programs, such as opiate addiction treatment, to help combat the opioid crisis. If someone you love is in need of comprehensive drug addiction treatment, it’s time to call Morningside Recovery today at 855-631-2135. Opioid addiction doesn’t have to control your loved one’s life, so help them find treatment today.
