The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Opioid and Prescription Drug Facts
The facts about opioid, prescription, and over-the-counter drug misuse.
The use of opioids, including both prescription and illicit drugs (such as heroin), result in more than 80,000 overdose deaths per year nationwide. In Michigan in 2022, there were 2,998 opioid overdose deaths, accounting for over 80% of all drug overdose fatalities.
The legal availability of prescription opioids makes them a deadly threat to Michigan’s youth. Also, the recent rise in the use of fentanyl (a synthetic opioid) and fentanyl-contaminated drugs poses a dangerous risk as well. Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin, and 100 times stronger than morphine.
Learn more about the opioid epidemic.
See statistics on overdose deaths in Michigan
Opioids are not the only prescription drugs subject to misuse. Others include:
- Central nervous system (CNS) depressants: These drugs are typically used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.
- Stimulants/Amphetamines: The most commonly misused stimulants are drugs used to treat ADHD.
Learn more about the effects of CNS depressants and stimulants.
Commonly misused over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
- Dextromethorphan (DXM): Found in extra-strength cough medications, including syrups, tablets and gel capsules. In large quantities, it can cause a depressant effect and sometimes a hallucinogenic effect.
- Loperamide: An anti-diarrheal available in tablet, capsule, or liquid form. Though it is not a typical opioid, it can have a similar effect when taken in large doses or combined with other substances.