Opioid abuse

America’s addiction - working to end opioid abuse

Opioid misuse, addiction, overdose and death have become an epidemic in America.  In fact over the past 15 years, the nation's opioid epidemic has claimed more than 250,000 lives, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the last year alone, nearly 30,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses. 

Physicians have stepped up as leaders in preventing and reducing misuse, addiction, overdose, and death from prescription drugs.  They understand that the opioid epidemic is complex with no single solution, and that a multi-pronged public health approach is needed.  Congress has only recently turned its attention to this most urgent issue by passing some initial reforms that would expand physician office-based treatment of patients with opioid use disorders.   While this is an encouraging first step, lawmakers have much more work to do. Take action and email Congress.

The AMA remains committed to working with Congress as a leader in the fight to curb America’s opioid addiction. Learn more about what the AMA is doing on this issue.