By Chloe Kunnemann, Guest Columnist
To combat the opioid crisis in America, the U.S. government is utilizing the Department of Education to help fight the opioid crisis. This is done by educating the public on opioid misuse and aiding state and local education in the prevention and education of opioid misuse.
It is vital that Americans know anyone who takes prescription medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine can become addicted or develop a tolerance to the medication.
If students need recovery from opioids or their family members, visit https://okimready.org/find-a-provider/ to find a treatment provider.
Rural communities across the nation have been the most affected by stimulant overdoses and use. In response to such a heightened difference, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funded nearly $15 million for rural communities to fight against the misuse that ultimately can lead to overdose-related deaths. This is done through services in rural communities on prevention, treatment and recovery.
The programs aid in addressing the stimulant misuse found throughout such communities. The drugs targeted in such programs are methenamine medications (ADHD/depression), cocaine and ecstasy.
If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone, dial 988, a helpline for immediate crisis and non-emergency assistance for mental health and substance use issues. For serious medical problems or any life-threatening situation, dial 911.
Northwestern student Chloe Kunnemann wrote this column on behalf on the Northwestern Counseling & Career Services Office.