"The opioid epidemic is responsible for the first sustained decline in U.S. life expectancy since the 1960s. In 2016 alone, about 50,000 Americans died from overdose related to opioids. The Opioid Epidemic: What You Need to Know will cover the basic science of opioids, the nature of addiction, reasons for the opioid epidemic, and effective approaches to helping individuals, families, communities, and national policy. This comprehensive approach will help readers make connections between the experience of individuals and families and critical policy questions. Throughout the text, we will address myths and other misunderstandings with clear and non-judgmental responses. The book will be fact-based, clearly written, and practical in orientation. It will include specific stories and cases from the authors' experience. Our goal is for readers to feel informed and empowered"-- Provided by publisher.