❝
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

Opioid Crisis Timeline

In 1999
In 2007
In 2010
By 2013
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified a rise in the number of overdose deaths involving prescription opioids—dubbing this the “first wave” of the opioid crisis.
The United States Department of Justice sued pharmaceutical companies who falsely clamied OxyContin was less addictive and less likely to be abused. Increased dependence on prescription opioids contributed to demand for illicit opioids, including heroin.
As opioid-related deaths continued to rise, the CDC identified the “second wave” of the opioid crisis associated with increases in heroin-related deaths.
The CDC identified the “third wave” of the current opioid crisis, with significant increases in overdose deaths involving illicitly manufactured fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
Page Last Updated :