Opioids are drugs that target opioid receptors in the body for pain relief. Some of the most common examples are morphine, oxycodone, and heroine. Morphine and oxycodone can be prescribed after trauma and surgery, and are completely legal. Others, such as heroine, are illegal. In both cases, they can be extremely dangerous due to their addictive potential. When taken too often, or at too high of a dosage, an overdose can occur. Victims of an overdose become unresponsive to external stimuli and have trouble breathing. This can lead to severe brain and organ damage, or even death.
In 2017, former President Donald Trump declared the U.S. opioid crisis a public health emergency. Despite the impressive title, the fund for these emergencies is a mere $57,000. Therefore, support from a multitude of sources is imperative. Although the number has decreased since 2017, there are still 46.7 prescriptions per 100 persons in the U.S. (as of 2019). In some counties, this rate is six times as high, providing a lot of opportunity for misuse. In fact, one in four of those who are prescribed opioids misuse them.
I am aware of a situation involving prescribed painkillers where, after a surgery, it spiraled into addiction and desperation. A family friend became addicted after receiving a legal prescription of oxycodone. After being unable to acquire a refill on his prescription, he turned to street drugs to feed his addiction. Soon after, he died of a heroine overdose, leaving his kids without a father. If I can make a difference in a single person’s life (i.e. inspiring compassion or prevention), I will be fulfilled.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/maps/rxrate-maps.html
https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis
Brice Rider 