The Opioid Epidemic

The American Medical Association (AMA) believes that science and compassion must continue to guide patient care and policy change as the nation’s opioid epidemic has become a more dangerous and complicated illicit drug overdose epidemic. The data shows that current policies are insufficient to increase access to evidence-based care for substance use disorders, pain and harm reduction initiatives. The AMA’s Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force formed to directly address the changing drug overdose epidemic, focus on removing racial, gender, sexual orientation and other health-related inequities, and provide updated recommendations to physicians, policymakers and other stakeholders.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Increased prescription of opioid medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone led to widespread misuse of both prescription and non- prescription opioids. Prevention, treatment, and recovery information is available here to help health professionals and families combat the epidemic.

Health Resources & Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Prevention and access to treatment for opioid addiction and overdose reversal drugs are critical to fighting this epidemic. Primary care settings have increasingly become a gateway to better care for individuals with both behavioral health (including substance use) and primary care needs. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) supports its grantees with resources, technical assistance, and training to integrate behavioral health care services into practice settings and communities.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians.

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Highlights of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's work to prevent overdoses and substance use-related harms.

A collection of National Public Radio's reporting on the opioid epidemic and how we got here.