Young People and Opioids

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teen girl holding pills

Opioid addiction has reached crisis levels in communities across the nation.

The epidemic is hitting young people hard. In 2017, about 75 percent of drug overdoses among 15-24 year olds were related to opioids.

Stop Youth Opioid Abuse is a multi-channel effort from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the Ad Council, and the Truth Initiative that focuses on preventing and reducing the misuse of opioids among youth and young adults.

The campaign hosts a website, opioids.thetruth.com, that includes information about opioids, the epidemic, and evidence-based drug treatment. 

 

Watch: Amy's Story

Fact: Opioid dependence can happen after just five days. Check out this shocking PSA, based on a true story. Watch. 

Opioid Abuse Prevention: 5 Questions and Answers (PDF) 

What exactly are opioids? How can you make sure you won't get addicted? Get answers to these questions and more.