THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC
AMA ALLIANCE PRESENTS ‘THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC: EMPOWERING COMMUNITY ACTION’
A COLLABORATION WITH ITN PRODUCTIONS
Prescription opioid drug misuse is a major epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the quantity of prescription painkillers prescribed and sold in the U.S. has nearly quadrupled since 1999, with a parallel increase in the number of people becoming addicted to narcotics. In 2017, over 11 million Americans abused prescription painkillers; there were over 19,000 deaths involving prescription opioid pain relievers in 2016 alone. Each day, thousands of people are treated in emergency departments for using these drugs in a manner other than as directed.
The most misused medications are pain relievers (opioids) such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, Percocet, methadone and codeine. Those who misuse prescription narcotics think they are safe because they are not illegal, but once addicted it can be hard to stop.
Recognizing that opioid abuse is a national health epidemic, the AMA Alliance, in collaboration with the American Medical Association, is focusing efforts and attention to educating physician families and our communities about the causes, the dangers, and the treatments of opioid misuse and addiction.
In a unique communications partnership, the AMA Alliance and ITN Productions have produced a news-style series of videos designed to raise awareness about effective practices employed by individuals and communities to alleviate the epidemic.
“The Opioid Epidemic: Empowering Community Action” highlights the commitment of the government agencies, nonprofits, universities, companies and the AMA Alliance community to find solutions to address the epidemic. These include enhancing comprehensive treatment and support for substance use disorders, training to tackle the epidemic and public education to end the stigma and misperceptions associated with substance use disorders. Read more.
In addition to the AMA Alliance and others, this groundbreaking video series features and is supported by:
- The American Medical Association
- Texas A&M University
- DEA: Diversion Control Division
- The Emergency Nurses Association
Drawing upon ITN’s 60 years of expertise in storytelling, “The Opioid Epidemic: Empowering Community Action” features interviews, news items and editorial profiles of leaders and key organizations, spotlighting research about effective methods to combat the epidemic. It also highlights the work being done every day in communities across the United States to assist those with substance use disorders.