The Texas Office of the Attorney General is working to protect Texans from the scourge of opioid painkiller abuse and related overdoses, which are devastating families throughout the state.
Helpful LinksThe Texas Pain Society has gathered some helpful links for those looking to learn more about pain, pain management, the opioid crisis, and related topics. Information on this page is only intended as a general summary of what is made available to the public. References and links to any specific product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by TPS. The Snapchat fentanyl lawsuit represents the families of more than 50 teenagers and young adults who overdosed on fentanyl they accessed through Snapchat. Young people with their whole lives in front of them, the victims were led to believe they were buying prescription medications from dealers they met on Snapchat before dying from fentanyl poisoning. Texas Targeted Opioid Response TTOR expands access to treatment, prevention, and early intervention and provides long-term recovery supports for people with a history of, or who are at risk for developing, opioid use disorders and overdose. In addition, TTOR promotes outreach and education for the public and professionals through training and community events. Public Health Response to the Opioid Crisis The opioid crisis is a public health emergency. Almost half of all drug overdose deaths in Texas involve opioids. The impact of opioid addiction spans all generations and cuts across all socioeconomic lines. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recognizes the need to address opioid misuse in Texas. Much of the work at DSHS centers around two strategies improving surveillance and expanding prevention through education and training. DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. The Neuropathy Alliance of Texas promote awareness about neuropathy in Texas; provides education, resources and emotional support to patients and their caregivers; and supports research. Pain is the number one reason people go to a doctor. According to the National Institutes of Medicine, in the United States alone, chronic pain affects 100 million adults – that is more people than heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. The Global Pain Initiative believes that pain is a global problem, affecting nearly one billion people. Although the number one reason people go to a doctor is pain, there is little being done to really understand what pain is. Awareness is the first step. Every kid needs to have a discussion with a caring adult about the dangers of experimenting with substances. Whether you’re a parent or an educator, you can have the right conversation to potentially save a kid’s life. The Natural High Fentanyl Toolkit below has everything you need to protect kids from the dangers of fentanyl. |
