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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

opioid epidemic

In the past, courts have supplied this important backstop in other widespread policy challenges, such as the public health threats of tobacco use and the opioid epidemic, that lacked adequate legislative or regulatory responses.

From Slate ● Sep. 29, 2026

Age-adjusted mortality rates have fallen by 17% since 2000 and 30% since 1980, notwithstanding the opioid epidemic and increases in chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 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

Trump is expected to use the event at a hotel to roll out new endorsements for his campaign and speak about the economy and the opioid epidemic, among other subjects.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 27, 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

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