California’s Response to the Opioid Crisis

​​​​​​​​​​​​Opioids are the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. This website provides updates and information on opioids and how you can protect yourself and loved ones.

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California is doubling down to combat the opioid crisis and save lives.

“We have an all-hands-on-deck strategy focused on preventing tragedy, connecting people with treatment and prioritizing harm reduction strategies to reduce overdoses and compassionately help those struggling with substance use and addiction.

We’re fighting back together to protect our families.”

—Gavin Newsom, California Governor​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Our actions to address opioids​​​

The United States is facing an overdose crisis

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In the U.S., there's a severe opioid crisis with over 83,000 opioid-related overdose deaths per year, more than 90% of which involve fentanyl. This same issue is happening here in California:

  • More than 7,000 people died from opioid overdose in 2022​​
  • 87% of those deaths involved fentanyl
  • More than 21,000 emergency room visits were related to opioid overdose​s​

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Opioid Crisis Timeline

In the last two decades, the opioid crisis has killed over 564,000 people from overdose deaths alone. Over 150 people die every day because of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Since 1999, the US has been faced with an evolving crisis of opioid addiction, overdose and death.
1990s
Big Pharma markets prescription opioids like OxyContin as less addictive than older drugs without any scientific evidence in support of that claim, leading to the vast overprescription of opioids and a rise in opioid addiction, overdose and death.
2010
The medical industry begins to realize the dangers of prescription opioids; those addicted to opioids turn to illegal markets like heroin instead, triggering a second wave of overdoses and deaths.
2013
Synthetic opioids like fentanyl grow more popular due to their potency and relative cheapness, sending overdose deaths skyrocketing.
2023
Emerging threats include fentanyl being cut with xylazine, or mixed with illicit stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine—driving an even deadlier wave of overdoses and deaths.
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Page Last Updated : February 12, 2024