Opioid Abuse
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. The majority of drug overdose deaths (more than six out of ten) involve an opioid. “Since 1999, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids (including prescription opioids and heroin) have quadrupled.” Every day, 91 Americans die from an opioid overdose.
The primary factor that is leading to the increased opioid problem is the amount of prescription opioids sold in the United States. There has been a four-fold increase in the amount of prescription opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone) sold in the United States since 1999, even though the amount of pain that Americans report has not increased.
Many efforts are underway to help medical personnel improve the way that opioids are prescribed. Improving opioid prescribing reduces the exposure to opioids, prevents abuse, and has the overall goal of stopping addiction. Many states, like Maryland, have trained and improved access to Naloxone, which is a safe antidote to reverse opioid overdose. All SU police are trained in how to use Naloxone. There is also a greater emphasis on alternative pain management measures.
Students who are abusing alcohol or other drugs or have friends they are concerned about can contact the Counseling Center (410-543-6070) or Student Health Services (410-543-6262) to make an appointment. A thorough confidential assessment of the problem can be completed by staff and a plan for follow up established. Also, if concerned about a friend’s alcohol or other drug use, students can schedule a consultation with a counselor at the Counseling Center to discuss how to intervene and help their friend and learn about resources. Students receiving medical assistance in an alcohol and/or drug medical-related emergency and students initiating medical assistance on behalf of a fellow student may not be subject to disciplinary charges under the Student Code of Community Standards or Residence Hall Regulations.
Resources
Center For Disease Control (CDC)
Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Important Campus Phone Numbers
Emergency - Life-threatening situations 9-1-1
University Police 410-543-6222
Important Off-Campus Phone Numbers
Eastern Shore Mobile Crisis Team 888-407-8018
Life Crisis Center 410-749-4357
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255)
Peninsula Regional Medical Center 410-546-6400
Salisbury Recovery Resource Center 410-749-9482
Trevor Lifeline 866-488-7386
Wicomico County Health Department 410-749-1244