The opioid epidemic refers to the widespread and ongoing crisis of addiction and overdose deaths related to the use of opioid drugs, both prescription and illicit. Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers like OxyContin and Vicodin, as well as illegal drugs like heroin and fentanyl. This epidemic has been fueled by the overprescription of pain medications, resulting in addiction and misuse among patients. It has led to a sharp increase in overdose deaths and has had devastating impacts on individuals, families, and communities across the United States. Efforts to address the opioid epidemic include increased access to addiction treatment, improved prescribing practices, and increased availability of naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.