Opioids: An Introduction to the Epidemic

Every day, more than 130 people in the United States overdose on opioids. Many of these overdoes result in death. The misuse of and addiction to opioids—including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids —is a serious national crisis that affects public health and social welfare. The Mississippi Public Health Institute aims to inform mental health professionals about the history, dangers and current trends of opioids. Participants of this training will be able to define opioids, their common prescription forms, their addictive qualities, and with drawl symptoms.

Objective 1 | Provide an introduction to Opioids for professionals from multiple disciplines

Objective 1 Supporting Information | Opioid definition | Qualities of the drug | History

Objective 2 | Discuss the most common prescription opioids as well as potential causes of opioid addiction.

Objective 2 Supporting Information | OxyContin | Fentanyl | Morphine | The Addiction Cycle

Objective 3 | Explain common prevention strategies and the CDC’s Response to the Opioid Overdose Epidemic.

Objective 3 Supporting Information | Prevention Strategies | CDC’s Response