opioid epidemic

[ oh-pee--oid ep-i-dem-ik ]

noun

1. a public health crisis brought about by a notable increase in the use of opioids:

   legislative efforts to deal with the opioid epidemic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of opioid epidemic¹

First recorded in 2010–15

Example Sentences

Following the arrests made in connection to Perry’s death, in an interview where CBS Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan likened ketamine abuse to the beginnings of the opioid epidemic, DEA administrator Anne Milgram said the agency would similarly target doctors and practitioners "who are violating this duty of trust to their patients by over-prescribing medicine, or prescribing medicine that isn't necessary."

From Salon

While oxycodone and other addictive prescription painkillers kicked off the opioid epidemic in the U.S, synthetic drugs such as fentanyl have become the drug responsible for the most overdose deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From Los Angeles Times

“At the California Department of Justice, we are committed to holding entities, like Kroger, accountable for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic,” Atty.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s not sure if whoever the president is can help combat the opioid epidemic that has devastated her community, but she’s worried about the cost of groceries and inflation as she runs a small business.

From Los Angeles Times

The synthetic drug is the leading culprit in the U.S. opioid epidemic.

From Los Angeles Times