Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid Use Disorder is using opioids and opiates despite negative legal and health consequences. Opioids and opiates include: 

  • OxyContin
  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin) 
  • Morphine
  • Methadone
  • Naturally-derived substances such as heroin
  • Synthetic opioids like Fentanyl

Opioids are drugs made from the poppy plant initially to treat pain. They are highly addictive because they release dopamine into the brain. Dopamine activates the reward system. 

Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths

  • Nearly 108,000 people died from drug overdose in 2022 and approximately 82,000 of those deaths involved opioids (about 76%).
  • From 1999-2022, nearly 727,000 people died from an opioid overdose. This includes overdose deaths involving prescription and illegal opioids.
  • From 2016-2023, there were 14 confirmed opioid-related overdose deaths in Middleton.
  • In 2022, there were 22 suspected opioid-related incidents reported within the Town of Middleton.  In 2023, there were 15 suspected opioid-related incidents reported within Middleton.