OPIOIDS AND OPIATES: THE SILENT EPIDEMIC

by Grace Ferguson

Prescription opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone are highly effective for treating chronic pain, but they also have severe side effects, including significant potential for abuse. The misuse and abuse of prescription painkillers has become a serious global problem, affecting the health and economic welfare of societies worldwide. Fueling the problem of prescription opioid abuse are “pill mills”—medical operations run by unethical or untrained physicians or pharmacists that over-prescribe narcotics or dispense them for illegal purposes. Although governments have implemented measures to crack down on prescription painkiller abuse, the problem continues to spread. This book explores the issue of chronic pain and the development of opioids. It examines the marketing and promotion of opioids by pharmaceutical companies, as well as other drivers of the opioid epidemic. It evaluates the steps taken by legislative bodies to balance the problem of chronic pain and prescription opioid abuse, and discusses how prescription opioids can be used safely. Each title in this series includes color photos throughout, and back matter including: an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Xina M. Uhl

Abuse of opioid drugs has become an epidemic in the United States, claiming victims of all ages and social backgrounds. The effects of drug addiction on individuals, families, and society at large are staggering. Now, more than ever, there is a need to prevent young people from getting involved with drugs through education and intervention programs. At the same time, effective treatment programs are needed for those who get hooked on opioids. This guide discusses the various types of opioid drugs, as well as their effect on the user’s body. It provides information about risk factors for drug abuse, signs that someone might be in need of treatment, and suggestions for how to help and support a friend or loved one struggling with addiction. Advances in treatment and relapse prevention are explored, as are tried and true methods of drug rehabilitation. Each title in this series includes color photos throughout, and back matter including: an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Jodee Redmond

How much do you know about the Dangers of Drug Abuse? The class of drugs known as opioids includes both illicit street drugs like heroin and fentanyl, as well as popular painkillers that are legally prescribed by doctors. All opioids can pose a threat to the user’s physical and mental health if abused. Drug abuse also has the potential to affect a person’s life in many ways. This book provides the facts about the current opioid epidemic that is sweeping the United States today. It examines the most dangerous drugs—including two new deadly new opioids that are on the street. The book also focuses on the problems and issues that result from drug abuse and addiction. Unfortunately, the opioid crisis shows no signs of slowing down, and greater education is required to make sure it does not impact future generations. Each title in this series includes color photos throughout, and back matter including: an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by John Cashin

Over the past decade, use of the illicit drug heroin has been rising steadily in the United States. Heroin overdose deaths have also spiked, increasing by more than 50 percent between 2007 and 2016, according to the most recently available data from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Heroin use was once relatively rare in the United States, but drug cartels from Latin America have been steadily shipping large quantities into the country. The demand for heroin has also been fueled because it is a cheaper alternative to prescription opioid painkillers that provides a similar “high.” This book examines the facts about the ongoing heroin crisis. It provides information about the drug cartels and their role in supplying this deadly drug, how heroin is distributed in American communities large and small, and the dangerous effects of the drug on its users. Each title in this series includes color photos throughout, and back matter including: an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

by Xina M. Uhl

The availability of both opioid prescription medications and powerful illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl has resulted in a deadly epidemic of drug abuse. Opioids and opiates are not confined to poor neighborhoods or inner cities; addicted victims are dying in communities throughout the United States. This easy-to-read, comprehensive guide uses recent statistics and up-to-date guidelines from government health and criminal justice agencies to educate the reader about the effects of opioids on the user’s body and mind, issues related to drug abuse, and treatment options and support resources for addicts and their families. The statistics are supplemented with personal stories about drug abusers from all walks of life. Each title in this series includes color photos throughout, and back matter including: an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader’s comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.