Running Down a Pain Killer

In recent years, drug overdose has become the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S.,* killing more people than car accidents.** This increase is largely driven by opioid use disorder.

The federal government has taken action to address opioid addiction. These efforts enable new ways for state and local governments to help curtail this substance use disorder, improving treatment and recovery by building awareness and collaborating with practitioners.

*American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Opioid Addiction: 2016 Facts & Figures.

**Ruhm CJ. Taking the measure of a fatal drug epidemic. National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper No. 22504. August 2016.