The opioid epidemic is still strong across the US.
Authorities are worried about the fact that the heroin and the opioid epidemic is widely spread across the United States. Although active measures have been taken to tackle this problem, many opioid addicts are still out there.
Over the past few months, lots of over-the-counter drugs have become available only on prescription. Also, another type of medication was introduced in order to save overdose victims. This handy asset contains Narcan, which must be administered in the nostrils in emergency situations to revive a person who collapsed after an overdose.
This medication is carried by some police officers in a bag that looks like a travel toiletry kit. According to Cam Strahm, Drug Enforcement Administration assistant special agent, Narcan is very useful in case you ever find yourself in a life-or-death situation.
The statistics have revealed that over 28,000 people died in 2014 due to heroin and overdoses from opioid painkillers. Also, based on the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), starting from 1999, the number of deaths caused by opioid overdoses has become four times higher, while the situation is even worse in Oregon.
Strahm added that one of the main factors influencing overdoses are doctors from pain-management clinics who prescribe too many painkillers just for the sake of their profit.
According to Jack Riley, DEA Deputy Administrator, the cultivation of heroin crops has increased by 160 percent between 2013 and 2015 with the highest production in the several states including Guerrero, Durango, Sinaloa, and Chihuahua just to name a few.
This information is relevant because most of the heroin sold on the streets of Oregon originates from Mexico and enters the state via California. Unfortunately, this deadly powder is easily distributed to any addict because some residents have family ties to the above-mentioned states of Mexico.
Strahm refused to comment on any political matters regarding the hypothesis of a wall at the United States and Mexico border. This wall would have the role of preventing heroin traffic.
While the heroin and opioid epidemic continues to rise, Strahm and his team are doing their best to tackle this issue and save many kids from falling prey to such a vicious life. Also, some believe that opioids should be banned from many clinics and pharmacies.
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