What Can You Do to Prevent Opioid Overdose Deaths?
The Public
Learn more about opioids in order to protect yourself and your loved ones from opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose.
States
Consider ways to increase use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, which are among the most promising state-level interventions.
Healthcare Providers
Consider CDC’s opioid prescribing guideline for chronic pain, which helps primary care providers offer safer, more effective care.
CDC’s Work to Prevent Opioid Overdose Deaths
CDC is committed to an approach that protects the public’s health and prevents opioid overdose deaths.
HHS Efforts
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is committed to addressing opioid abuse, dependence, and overdose. HHS has developed a five-point comprehensive strategy: (1) better data, (2) better pain treatment, (3) more addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services, (4) more overdose reversers, and (5) better research. Several agencies within HHS have joined the effort.
In the News
- Helping Communities Take Action Against Opioid Crisis
- 2018 Annual Surveillance Report of Drug Related Risks and Outcomes
- HAN00413 Rising Numbers of Deaths Involving Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs, Including Carfentanil, and Increased Usage and Mixing with Non-opioids
- CDC Vital Signs: Opioid Overdoses Treated in Emergency Departments – Identify Opportunities for Action
- CDC Vital Signs: Opioid Prescribing–Where You Live Matters
- CDC Publications
Evidence-Based Strategies
Note: The CDC Opioid Overdose site contains information on opioids. To see more of CDC’s work on other substances, visit the CDC A-Z index.
- Page last reviewed: October 19, 2018
- Page last updated: October 19, 2018
- Content source:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control,
- Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention