The Opioid Crisis
What ARE opioidS?
Opioids are a type of drug that binds to certain receptors in your body that then minimize your perception of pain.
Receptors in the body detect and read opioids' signals. The receptors then send "messages" to the brain.
Opioids can also cause a number of side effects and often affect your mood, breathing, and blood pressure.
Opioids can be highly addictive.
Types of Opioids: prescribed and not prescribed
Examples include: heroin, prescription pain drugs (i.e. oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine) and synthetic opioids (i.e. fentanyl)
The opioid crisis affects people across all racial and ethnic groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, and geographical locations. Historically, men have experienced higher rates of opioid misuse than women. In recent years, that gap has narrowed.
Opioid use in Minnesota (2013-2014):
Most recent data from Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
There are likely higher rates of use than shown in the table, due to national increases in opioid use in recent years
Disparities in Minnesota:
See Resources for More Details
Data Snapshot
MN AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES
MN TRIBAL NATION COMMUNITIES
OVERALL MN POPULATION RATES
OVERALL U.S. LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
OVERALL U.S. DISABILITY COMMUNITY