10 Ripple Effects
The impact of the opioid epidemic goes far beyond overdose deaths. Here are just some of the ways it has affected communities.
1
Shattered families and children growing up in stressful, unstable environments
2
Additional stress and costs on child protective services and foster care systems
3
Increased demands on first responders, law enforcement officers and hospital staffs, and rising emergency and healthcare costs
4
Elevated levels of neonatal abstinence syndrome — babies go through withdrawal
5
Crowded jails and more strain on criminal justice system
6
It’s now more difficult for people with chronic pain to get opiate prescriptions
7
More employee absenteeism and lower productivity
8
Rising HIV and hepatitis rates
9
Greater need for transitional housing for people in recovery
10
More grandparents taking on responsibility—and costs— of raising grandchildren