The Opioid Crisis: Overview and Prevention Strategies

The misuse of prescription opioids, and the overdoses and deaths associated with misuse, have risen to crisis levels during the past decades. This crisis has been worsened by the rise of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, which have now overtaken as the leading causes of overdose and death. Opioid use disorder and overdose have become public health emergencies that require a multifaceted approach to help patients affected by them. These approaches cover a series of responses that involve prevention strategies, harm reduction, treatment of substance use disorders, and recovery support.