The word "opioid" refers to a type of medicine that is used to relieve pain. It can also be used to describe certain drugs that are related to opium and have similar effects. Full definition
But another result of the current opioid epidemic is that the number of children entering foster care due to parental substance abuse has risen sharply in recent years. (chronicleofsocialchange.org)
The current epidemic of opioid use has been called the worst drug crisis in American history with associated overdose deaths building across the nation. (solutionfocused.net)
The family also used the announcement as an opportunity to talk about the ongoing opioid crisis. (businessinsider.com)