California’s Opioid Response





	
	California’s Opioid Response



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California’s Opioid Response
spread awareness • save lives

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 ​❝ California is doubling down to combat the opioid crisis and save lives. 
“We have an all-hands-on-deck strategy focused on preventing tragedy, connecting people with treatment and prioritizing harm reduction strategies to reduce overdoses and compassionately help those struggling with substance use and addiction. 
                We’re fighting back together to protect our families.”—Gavin Newsom, California Governor​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

Our actions to address opioids​​​

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Opioid Crisis TimelineIn the last two decades, the opioid crisis has killed over 564,000 people from overdose deaths alone. Over 150 people die every day because of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Since 1999, the US has been faced with an evolving crisis of opioid addiction, overdose and death. 

1990s 
Big Pharma markets 
         prescription opioids like OxyContin as less addictive than older drugs without any scientific evidence in support of that claim, leading to the vast overprescription of opioids and a 
         rise in opioid addiction, overdose and death.

2010 
The medical industry begins to realize the dangers of prescription opioids; those addicted to opioids turn to illegal markets like 
         heroin instead, triggering a 
         second wave of overdoses and deaths.

2013 
Synthetic opioids like 
         fentanyl grow more popular due to their potency and relative cheapness, sending overdose deaths skyrocketing.

2023 
Emerging threats include 
         fentanyl being cut with 
         xylazine, or mixed with illicit stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine—driving an even deadlier wave of overdoses and deaths.

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