Opiate abuse has created a lasting impact on Idaho citizens, their friends, and family members. It has become a pressing issue for organizations, lawmakers, and stakeholders.
Idaho’s state health agency was unpleasantly surprised when the budget for drug abuse treatment was cut. With the state struggling with the opiate crisis, this is quite frustrating.
Opiate abuse has increased at a steady rate, and overdose fatalities are also rising. There is an urgent need to address the #Opiate crisis and addiction. We need to take steps to stop the abuse and crack down on the growing drug peddler network in the state.
An article printed by the Idaho Falls Post Register states, “If you live in eastern Idaho, you don’t need anyone telling you about the ravages of the opioid epidemic. Bonneville and Bannock counties have the highest percentage of drug-overdose deaths in the state. Bonneville, along with Elmore, Owyhee and nine other Idaho counties got so fed up with the opioid epidemic they joined a federal lawsuit last year against the makers of OxyContin, Lortab and other opioids.”
This crisis is rooted in our society. Drugs are regularly prescribed, paving the path for future addiction, abuse, and death. These legal opioids have also promoted the use and abuse of heroin and other illegal opioids.
The crisis has raged for many years and is currently surging, but positive steps have been made recently. Several lawsuits have emerged in the state, and Governor Little has signed an executive order to control the problem. The executive order establishes a group to review the opioid crisis and make recommendations to the governor.
A bill to provide easy access and prescriptions for antidotes like Narcan and Naloxone to Idaho citizens gained massive support in the Senate and House. Though this will presumably help decrease overdose deaths, funding and reform efforts to prevent abuse and illegal distribution are also necessary.
Pharmaceutical companies should also be monitored, given their significant contribution by manufacturing the drugs. Companies should be held responsible for not providing truthful and accurate information while marketing medicines. Idaho should learn from other states, regulate companies with unethical practices, and take necessary action against them.
Many victims are struggling and need financial assistance to afford treatment; state health agencies should consider this and increase accessibility to reduce deaths.
Sooner rather than later, Idaho needs to allocate funds to address the Opiate crisis; otherwise, it will only worsen.
