OPIOIDS AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN: IMPACT ON SOCIETY, PREVENTION, AND EDUCATION

Abstract

This study examines opioid misuse as a major public health issue, concentrating on Bronx County and its effects on health outcomes such as morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures. It assesses the psychological and socio-economic impacts on individuals struggling with opioid dependency and reviews the success of current prevention and educational initiatives. Employing a mixed-methods design that integrates statistical data on overdose incidents and hospital admissions with qualitative feedback from local community members, the research underscores the vital contribution of harm reduction programs and grassroots organizations in combating the crisis. The results reveal that opioid addiction is closely linked to broader social issues like poverty and unstable housing, highlighting the need for comprehensive prevention, treatment, and recovery strategies.