Families in Crisis: The Human Service Implications of Rural Opioid Misuse   [open pdf - 948KB]

"Nonmedical prescription opioid misuse is a fast growing public health problem and primary cause of unintentional deaths nationwide, particularly in many rural areas of the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyday 44 people die of a prescription drug related overdose. The opioid crisis is multifaceted and affects communities nationwide. When the costs are calculated they exceed $55 billion annually."