Opioids are illegal drugs like heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers such as oxycodone and morphine. Synthetic opioids are a narcotic pain medication usually prescribed for patients that need something stronger.

They work by reducing the pain receptors in the brain to diminish the feeling of pain. Most opioid drugs can be prescribed for patients with moderate to severe pain.

The rise of abuse and overdoses is linked to the overprescribing by physicians and the crave for the drug. According to the Loudoun Times Mirror, there were reports of two non-fatal opioid overdoses in March and July of last year in Loudoun County.

Synthetic opioids are known to be deadlier than heroin and have more effects than morphine and fentanyl; these types of opioids are also commonly used because they’re cheaper.

Loudoun County Sheriff, Mike Chapman, told the Loudoun Times Mirror that certain opioid drugs are being produced overseas in Mexico and China.

Opioids can be inhaled through both the nose and mouth causing, drowsiness, nausea, and withdraw symptoms such as muscle pain, anxiety, and irritability. Popular opioids such as heroin and fentanyl are combined with other drugs like cocaine and alcohol to feel more effect.

The opioid drug kills more than 800 people a week, including many U.S. military veterans suffering from chronic pain, and young white Americans.

On Feb 9 of this year, a funding of six billion dollars went towards prevention and law enforcement to fight against the use of opioids, this is all included in the budget agreement signed by president Donald Trump.

Eighteen days later, attorney general Jeff Sessions announced a new opioid task force called The Prescription Interdiction and Litigation Task Force, which will target opioid manufacturers and distributers.

The US surgeon general also issued an advisory recommending that more Americans carry the opioid overdose-reversing drug called naloxone. It can quickly restore breathing when someone is suspected of overdosing.

Opioids have become a sizable problem seen in our country leading to addiction, severe physical and emotional effects, and sometimes even death due to overdoses. Not only do they have extremely negative health effects, but also for our economy and national security.

The Loudoun County sheriff’s office encourages people to report the use of opioid drugs or narcotics to their hotline 1-833-468-8477.