Maryland bill targets fentanyl deaths through safe centers for drug users

Opioids are pain-killing drugs, ranging from prescription pain medicines such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine, to the synthesized opiate fentanyl, to illegal cheaper substances such as heroin, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. When abused, these drugs are highly addictive and can cause severe side effects, especially during withdrawal.

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Maryland’s opioid crisis, fentanyl is driving deaths across the board

Pain diagrams soon began popping up in doctor’s offices around the country. On the left of the spectrum, a pain level of zero and a smiley face. On the right, a pain level of 10 and a scowl. While the medical field used to focus on reducing pain, the goal was suddenly to eliminate it altogether, said Robin Rickard, executive director for Maryland’s Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC).

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