opioid epidemic

American  

[oh-pee--oid ep-i-dem-ik] / ˈoʊ pi ˌɔɪd ˌɛp ɪˈdɛm ɪk /

noun

1. a public health crisis brought about by a notable increase in the use of opioids.

   legislative efforts to deal with the opioid epidemic.

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Etymology

Origin of opioid epidemic

First recorded in 2010–15

Example Sentences

The cases are using a similar script to past ones accusing pharmaceutical companies of perpetuating the opioid epidemic or tobacco companies of failing to warn about harm from cigarettes, cases that led to multibillion-dollar settlements.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

Starting in the late 1980s in western Virginia, Kingsolver’s reimagining of “David Copperfield” by Charles Dickens combines a rebuke of the modern foster care system with the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

Over the last five years, she has overseen an activist group called Prescription Addiction Intervention Now, or PAIN, which draws attention to the pharmaceutical companies that have profited from the opioid epidemic.

From New York Times • Mar. 30, 2023

Biden’s unity goals would be hard for anyone to argue against: improving mental health, supporting veterans, beating the opioid epidemic and fighting cancer.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 3, 2023

Vance's vulnerability analysis reveals that the lawyer-turned-author, who founded a non-profit dedicated to curbing the opioid epidemic, had at one point worked for law firm Sidley Austin LLP in Washington, D.C.

From Salon • Aug. 20, 2022