The Overdose Crisis | peer-wellness-center

The Drug Overdose Crisis

The CDC reports that 81,083 Americans lost their

lives to drug overdose in 2023.

The new data show overdose deaths involving opioids decreased from an estimated 84,181 in 2022 to 81,083 in 2023. While overdose deaths from synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) decreased in 2023 compared to 2022, cocaine and psychostimulants (like methamphetamine) increased.

Several states across the nation saw decreases; Nebraska, Kansas, Indiana, and Maine experienced declines of 15% or more. Still, some states saw increases. Alaska, Washington, and Oregon stood out with notable increases of at least 27% compared to the same period in 2022.

Idaho is not immune to this public health crisis.

Number of Idahoan's who lost their life to accidental drug overdose in 2023.

*Source: https://www.gethealthy.dhw.idaho.gov/drug-overdose-dashboard

3 8 6

In Our Community

More than a number

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"DRUG OVERDOSE IS A LEADING CAUSE OF PREVENTABLE DEATH

IN THE UNITED STATES."
~CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/index.html

"Of the 81,038 reported overdoses during 2023 in the US, 64.4% had at least one potential opportunity for intervention..."

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source: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/data-research/facts-stats/sudors-dashboard-fatal-overdose-data.html

All drug overdoses are preventable. Practical strategies to reverse and prevent overdoses and reduce the harms associated with drug use are available.

Overdose is a complex issue involving stigma, discrimination and various misunderstandings about drugs and people who use drugs. Many people in our communities have been misinformed or never informed about the risks relating to drug use, including alcohol and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, our collective response to overdose prevention demands a comprehensive response from governments, organizations within and beyond health sectors, and a compassionate and informed community.

Know The Signs & How To
Respond To An Overdose

One way that individuals and communities can equip themselves to prevent overdoses from occurring is by having the knowledge to respond to an overdose.

Overdoses can look different depending on the type of drug or combination of drugs that have been used. For example, a person who experiences an overdose from a drug that depresses the central nervous system (such as an opioid) may lose consciousness and stop breathing. Yet a stimulant drug overdose may lead to overheating, a cardiac event, or symptoms relating to neurotoxicity.

If you think someone is experiencing an overdose, remember that this is a medical emergency.

Call for emergency assistance and then administer first aid if you can.

These fact sheets will provide you with information about the signs of an overdose and how you can respond based on different drug types.

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DOWNLOAD ALL OD FACT SHEETS

Taking Action To

Address the Opioid Crisis

At PEER Wellness Center, we are committed to initiatives that help reduce the impact of opioid and other substance misuse in our community. We address the opioid crisis by:

1) Providing supported access to treatment and recovery support services

2) Collaborating with community partners to provide education and resources

3) Providing hope that treatment works, recovery happens - and we are worth it

4) Acting as a point of distribution in our community for information and practical tools in the fight against opioid use disorder and accidental drug overdose.

Steps that you can take to reduce the impact of opioid and other substance misuse in our community:

1) Learn more on best practices in preventing and treating substance use disorder.

2) Secure your medications in a lockbox to reduce the chances of theft, loss and misuse.

3) Properly dispose of unused medications to reduce the chances of theft, loss and misuse.

4) Learn the signs of accidental overdose , know CPR and have Narcan (naloxone) on hand.