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The opioid epidemic in Houston, Texas, is a significant public health crisis, exacerbated by the widespread availability and misuse of opioids, including prescription painkillers and illicit substances like heroin and fentanyl.
In response, local authorities have implemented various initiatives to combat the issue. For example, the Houston Health Department's FRONTLINES+ program aims to equip first responders with naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses. Additionally, community education efforts focus on raising awareness about the dangers of opioids and promoting prevention and treatment resources.
Key Statistics on Opioid Use in Houston
- One opioid-related death occurs every 32 hours in Houston.
- 399 people died from opioid-related overdoses in Harris County in 2022.
- Houston emergency services receive up to 100 reports of opioid overdoses monthly.
- Over 75% of drug overdose deaths occur within the Houston city limits.
Opioid Overdose Statistics in Houston
- One opioid-related death occurs every 32 hours in Houston.
- An average of 28 people die from opioid-related overdoses per month in Harris County.
- In 2022, at least 339 people died from opioid-related overdoses in Harris County, up from 321 the previous year.
- Houston Police and Fire departments receive 50-100 reports of opioid overdoses monthly.
- Approximately 1 in 3 to 4 of these overdose calls result in fatalities.
- From 2006 to 2011, there was an increase in opioid prescriptions during ED visits for patients aged 18-64 years.
Demographic Data & Insights
- The average age of people who experience drug overdoses in Houston is 44.
- Unemployed people have an increased risk of fatal heroin overdoses.
- Homelessness is associated with increased overdose risk, especially among veterans.
- Low education is associated with a higher risk of prescription opioid overdose and mortality.
- Young adults (18-25) have the highest rates of opioid misuse and opioid use disorder (OUD).
- Men are more likely to use and become dependent on opioids.
- Adults between 25 and 54 are disproportionately affected by prescription opioid mortality.
- Opioid overdose deaths among Hispanic Texas increased by 328% between 1999 and 2020.
Common Opioids & Changing Trends
- Opioid overdose rates have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.
- Calls for opioid incidents to the Houston Fire Department increased from 40-60 per month in early 2019 to 140-160 per month in early 2022.
- Hispanic Texans face disproportionate impacts, with opioid overdose deaths increasing 328% between 1999 and 2020.
State Funds & Resource Allocation
- The Houston Emergency Response Opioid Engagement System (HEROES) offers a comprehensive approach to treatment and research.
- Distribute lifesaving medication to people experiencing homelessness and those leaving the Harris County Jail
- Home outreach to individuals who have experienced opioid overdoses
- Rapid initiation of addiction treatment medication in emergency departments
- Intensive behavioral and peer support services for people with OUD
- The Texas Targeted Opioid Response (TTOR) initiative at Houston Recovery Center offers many services.
- Narcan training and access for overdose prevention
- MAT
- 18 months of free recovery assistance
- Project Reach focuses on vulnerable populations, providing free trauma counseling, substance use recovery programs, and health screenings for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C.
Resource & Support Groups in Houston
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings in Houston
- SMART Recovery meetings in Houston
- The Houston Recovery Center
- Address: 150 N. Chenevert St., Houston, TX 77002
- Best Recovery Health Care Inc.
- 9211 S. Main St., Houston, TX 77025
- Toxicology Associates Inc.
- 530 N. Sam Houston Pkway E. #112, Houston, TX 77060
- Substance Disorders Treatment Program at Michael E. DeBakey Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- 2002 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030-4211
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not have insurance, the cost can vary based on the prescribed dose. Patients unable to afford buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) (regardless of insurance coverage) can apply for cost-assistance. The company that makes Suboxone offers this type of program to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. To learn more, go to: inSupport program.
You can also get discounted buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) using pharmacy coupons or cash prizes. If you go to the GoodRx website (goodrx.com), you can enter in your zip code and find coupons and discounts at your pharmacy of choice. (On average, if you use GoodRx coupons/discounts, you can slash the typical price of generic Suboxone film from $395 to $118).
Before you are prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), you will need to undergo an initial medical evaluation so that the doctor can ensure that it is an appropriate medication for you, though this does not require an in-person visit and can be done via telehealth (with video or telephone).
Once you have completed this assessment, the doctor will send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy. So, yes! You can find a licensed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) provider online and they can get you started on it via telehealth services without any in-person appointments.
- Buprenorphine/naloxone (Subxone) which is available in outpatient clinics (at your primary care doctor’s office or a psychiatrist’s office)
- Naloxone (Vivitrol) which is available in outpatient clinics (at your primary care doctor’s office or a psychiatrist’s office)
- Methadone, which is available only through methadone clinics
If you are interested in Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) offered entirely through telehealth services, visit bicyclehealth.com. To get help on finding other treatment options and levels of care (such as inpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs/IOPs, residential programs, and methadone clinics), call the SAMHSA helpline at:
1-800-662-HELP (4357).