Final answer:
The most common drugs involved in overdoses are prescription opioids, heroin, and benzodiazepines. These substances, particularly when combined, can cause respiratory depression and fatalities, contributing significantly to the opioid epidemic. Naloxone is widely distributed as an emergency antidote for opioid overdoses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three most common drugs involved in overdose are prescription opioids, heroin, and benzodiazepines. Prescription opioids, such as fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, and methadone, are often prescribed for pain relief but can lead to overdose if not used as directed. Heroin, an illegal opioid, has been a major contributor to overdose deaths, particularly because of its potency and the potential for contamination with other substances like fentanyl. Benzodiazepines, used to relieve anxiety and induce sleep, can be deadly, especially when combined with other central nervous system depressants like opioids and alcohol.
The combination of these substances can lead to respiratory depression and, ultimately, fatal overdoses. The opioid epidemic has raised considerable concern due to a dramatic increase in addiction and overdose deaths, which, in some areas, surpass accidental deaths from motor vehicle crashes. Efforts to combat overdose include education on the dangers of drug interactions, prescription monitoring programs, and the distribution of naloxone (Narcan), an opioid-overdose antidote.