Opioids, Heroin an epidemic

As the years go by, more Americans die from drug overdoses than from car crashes. Most of these incidents are the results of opioid abuse. President Obama released a proclamation in 2016 regarding this epidemic in and how we should spread awareness. He said, “During Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic 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” (Obama, 2016, p. 1). The negative stigma surrounding addiction has prevented many people from receiving the proper help they need for recovery. With awareness, the shame revolving around the subject with lessen, and hopefully, the number of deaths with dwindle to lower numbers.
            “Opioid use disorder, or addiction to prescription opioids or heroin, is a disease that touches too many of our communities—big and small, urban and rural—and devastates families, all while straining the capacity of law enforcement and the health care system” (Obama, 2016, p. 1). People live in ignorance and expect those with the disease to diagnose themselves; however, that is actually quite difficult to do on your own. People with Substance Use Disorder, specifically abusing prescription opioids or heroin, need a strong support system. One of Obama initiative was to increase access to Naxolone, which is an overdose reversal drug. Hopefully, Initiative such as this will allow people to get on the path to recovery.
            Giving the appropriate interventions, laws and advocacies the epidemic which as a nation we have been faced with has a chance to subside. 

Federal Register "Proclamation 9499—Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week, 2016"