Opioid Crisis Research Paper

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, a synthetic drug called fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. Opioids work by binding to the body’s opiate receptors; highly concentrated in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. When opiate drugs bind to these receptors, they can drive up dopamine levels in the brain’s reward areas, producing a state of euphoria and relaxation, some people get the urge to use the drug again and again. Kentucky in the past four years has had over 800 overdoses from heroin alone. Boone County has had almost 300 in the past four years. The Opioid Epidemic is a social justice issue that needs to be given awareness …show more content…
Heroin and other opioid drugs are known as “street drugs” because they are easy to get and sold on the streets. Heroin has many nicknames: H., Black Pearl, Brown Sugar, Witch Hazel, Birdie Powder, Dragon, Black Tar, Big H. Dog, Horse, Puppy, and many more. Fentanyl is also a “street drug” with various nicknames; Apache, China girl, China white, dance fever, friend, goodfella, jackpot, murder 8, TNT, Tango and Cash. etc. (Watkins, 2016, #6) . These drugs are easy to get but yet hard to receive help when they become a problem.Overdose occurs when a toxic amount of a drug or combination of drugs is taken. Opioids in particular pose a higher risk of overdose as they can depress the central nervous system causing breathing to slow, sometimes to the point of stopping altogether. According to The Nation’s Best Rehabs, in 1997, in rehab facilities, there were 235,143 admissions from individuals abusing Heroin as their primary use. By 2007, the number increased to 246,871. These facilities become overcrowded that more and more abusers are being denied help and not getting the help they