• Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), a substance use disorder, is a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress. OUD is a treatable, chronic disease that can affect anyone – regardless of race, gender, income level, or social class. A diagnosis of OUD is based on specific criteria such as unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use or use resulting in a failure to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home, among other criteria. It can even lead to overdose and death.

  
  

• In 2020, an estimated 2.7 million people ages 12 or older reported having an OUD.

  • from CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Overdose information from the CDC

• Overdose deaths remain a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States.

• The majority of overdose deaths involve opioids. Deaths involving synthetic opioids (largely illicitly made fentanyl) and stimulants (such as cocaine and methamphetamine) have increased in recent years.

• Overdose deaths accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• For every drug overdose that results in death, there are many more nonfatal overdoses, each one with its own emotional and economic toll.

• People who have had at least one overdose are more likely to have another.

• If a person who has had an overdose is seen in the ED, there is an opportunity to help prevent a repeat overdose by linking an individual to care that can improve their health outcomes.