What does the term "opioid crisis" refer to?

The term "opioid crisis" specifically refers to the significant increase in the misuse of opioids and the subsequent rise in overdose deaths associated with these substances. Over the past two decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the prescribing of opioid medications, leading to widespread addiction. This has resulted in numerous public health challenges, including a surge in overdose fatalities, attributed not only to prescription opioids but also to illicit opioids like heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. The opioid crisis is characterized by its extensive impact on individuals, families, and communities, generating a national public health emergency and necessitating urgent responses from healthcare systems, law enforcement, and policymakers. The other options do not reflect the actual situation; for instance, a decrease in addiction rates or reduced prescription availability does not align with the realities of the crisis.