Surgeon General Releases Spotlight on Opioids

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has released Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Spotlight on Opioids, a 40-page document that calls for a cultural shift in the way Americans talk about the opioid crisis and recommends actions that can prevent and treat opioid misuse and promote recovery. The document also provides the latest data on prevalence of substance misuse, opioid misuse, opioid use disorder and overdoses. To read the full press release click here.

The science shows us that no area of the United States is exempt from the opioid crisis. Yet, only 53 percent of the public consider opioid addiction a major concern. As a result, the Surgeon General is calling on all individuals to do the following:

• Talk about opioid misuse. Have a conversation about preventing drug misuse and overdose.
• Be safe. Only take opioid medications as prescribed, make sure to store medication in a secure place, and dispose of unused medication properly.
• Understand pain and talk with your healthcare provider. Treatments other than opioids can be effective in managing pain.
• Understand that addiction is a chronic disease. With the right treatment and supports, people do recover.
• Be prepared. Get and learn how to use naloxone, an opioid overdose reversing drug.

For the full document and to view the digital postcard, visit http://addiction.surgeongeneral.gov/.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, call 1-800-662-HELP or visit http://www.samhsa.gov/find-help.