Opioids

The opioid crisis is a complex issue, and understanding it is the first step towards combating it.

At the Clarkston EPIC Coalition, we’re here to help you unravel this complexity by sharing the hard-hitting facts about the opioid epidemic, facts about opioids in detail, and resources from our partner organizations who are contributing tirelessly to the fight against this crisis.

This space is more than just a collection of facts—it’s a platform for education, a source of support, and a testament to the power of collective action.

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Opioid Facts

What Is An Opioid?

Opioids are a class of drugs commonly used to reduce pain. The illegal drug heroin is an opioid, as are many of the prescription pain relievers prescribed by doctors, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others.

Opioids can negatively affect the reward center in the brain, leading users to need more and more over time. As a result, these drugs can be highly addictive.

Types of Opioids

Any opioid that is misused has the potential to be dangerous.

Prescription Opioids

May be prescribed for short periods of time to manage pain. Examples include: oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, morphine, codeine. Long-acting opioids may be prescribed for chronic pain.

Synthetic Opioids

These are made in a lab and can be very addictive. Examples include: heroin (which is always illegal), fentanyl, methadone, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.

Natural Opiates

Just because they are natural, that does not make them safe! Examples include morphine, codeine, and opium.

Endogenous Opioids

Your body naturally creates some opioids. Endorphins are one type of endogenous opioid. They can be released in response to pain or during pleasurable activities such as eating or exercising.

Opioid Prevention

Starts with One.

The Starts with One campaign is designed to inform and educate young adults, their parents, and older adults about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of safe storage, use, and disposal. This campaign is funded by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA).

Resources

We have a variety of resources for parents & teens who need guidance with substance abuse recovery & prevention.

Get immediate help right now.

Resources for parents about substance abuse & recovery.

Resources for teens about substance abuse & recovery.

Educational, relationship-building activities & training.

The Opioid Epidemic.

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared the opioid epidemic to be a public health emergency.

By 2020, almost 75% of drug overdose deaths involved an opioid. The opioid epidemic can be broken into three phases. EPIC is committed to reducing youth access to opioids and preventing overdoses.

Opioid Facts

The Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis is a complex issue, and understanding it is the first step towards combating it – “according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 75 percent of opioid misuse starts with people using medication that wasn’t prescribed for them, usually taken from a friend or family member.

Activities

Get Involved.

Be part of the excitement as we lead community events, offer alternative activities, and provide support systems to reduce substance use. Join one of our committees focused on leadership, media, youth, parent outreach, or data and research, and help us make a lasting impact in our community.

Volunteer

Make a Difference.

We value each and every volunteer who shares their time and expertise to help us achieve our mission. As a Clarkston EPIC volunteer, you are not only contributing to the prevention of substance use and promotion of mental health, but you are also making a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. We are grateful for your dedication and commitment to creating positive change.

Contact

Join the Movement.

Ready to be part of something incredible? Fill out the form to get in touch with us and learn more about how you can contribute to the success of Clarkston EPIC. Let’s work together to make our community safer, healthier, and stronger.