Timeline of the opioid epidemic

Fentanyl. 2 milligrams. A lethal dose in most people

Timeline of the Opioid Epidemic

The opioid epidemic, also known as the opioid crisis, refers to the rapid increase in the use of prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs in the United States and Canada beginning in the late 1990s and continuing into the 21st century. This epidemic has resulted in significant social, economic, and public health challenges, including a dramatic rise in opioid addiction, overdoses, and deaths. This article outlines the key events and developments in the timeline of the opioid epidemic.

1990s

The roots of the opioid epidemic can be traced back to the 1990s, when pharmaceutical companies began to aggressively market opioid pain relievers to healthcare providers. A pivotal moment occurred in 1996 with the introduction of OxyContin by Purdue Pharma. The company aggressively marketed OxyContin as a less addictive pain reliever suitable for a wide range of pain conditions.

• 1995 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves OxyContin, a long-acting version of oxycodone, for medical use.
• 1998 - Purdue Pharma launches an extensive marketing campaign for OxyContin, promoting its safety and efficacy for pain management.

2000s

The early 2000s saw a significant increase in prescription opioid abuse. The widespread availability of these drugs led to a growing number of Americans becoming addicted.

• 2001 - The American Pain Society introduces the concept of pain as the "fifth vital sign," encouraging healthcare providers to aggressively manage pain, which often led to an increased reliance on opioids.
• 2007 - Purdue Pharma and three of its executives plead guilty to misleading the public about the risk of addiction to OxyContin and agree to pay $634.5 million in fines.

2010s

By the 2010s, the opioid epidemic had evolved, with a significant rise in heroin use and overdose deaths, as efforts to curb prescription opioid abuse drove some individuals to cheaper and more accessible illicit opioids.

• 2010 - The FDA approves a new formulation of OxyContin designed to be more difficult to crush, snort, or inject.
• 2013 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declares prescription drug abuse an epidemic in the United States.
• 2016 - The CDC issues guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain, recommending non-opioid alternatives and lower doses.
• 2018 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declares the opioid crisis a public health emergency, releasing funds and resources to combat the epidemic.

2020s

The opioid epidemic continues into the 2020s, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to increased isolation, stress, and economic hardship, contributing to a surge in opioid overdoses and deaths.

• 2020 - Preliminary data indicate a significant increase in overdose deaths, largely driven by synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Current Efforts and Future Directions

Efforts to address the opioid epidemic include increasing access to treatment and recovery services, promoting the use of overdose-reversing drugs such as naloxone, and improving public education on the risks of opioid use. There is also a growing emphasis on addressing the root causes of addiction, including mental health and socioeconomic factors.