According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there were 63,632 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2016; 174 deaths per day; one death every 8.28 minutes; 42,249 (66.4%) of those deaths were due to opioids. More deaths than those as a result of firearms, homicide, suicide, and motor vehicle crashes.

Patients who are currently taking opioids for a legitimate medical issue may want to know about the benefits of naloxone (e.g. Narcan®, Evzio®) in the case of an overdose situation which may involve themselves or anyone in their family. These types of products can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and are the standard treatment for these types of situations. Information on naloxone products can be found at www.fda.gov.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), for those with a possible opioid use disorder. The Helpline is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information here.