Montana State Elks Association

Drug Awareness Program

Prescription opioids are often used to treat both acute and chronic pain. When used appropriately, opioids can be an effective component of a medical treatment plan.

However, serious risks (including misuse, opioid use disorder (addiction), overdoses and death) are associated with their use and are be-coming more prevalent nationwide since the 1990s when the number of prescribed opioids to patients began to grow (CDC, 2018).

A survey of 379 Montana community members conducted in early 2019 revealed that 65% of respondents state that prescription opioid mis-use is a problem in their community.

Fifty two percent of respondents state that they know someone who has misused prescription opioids to the extent that it has affected their life, and 21% either currently provide care to someone who has a prescription for opioids or had one in the past.

However, underneath these disturbing statistics, lie some hopeful data.

Elks believe that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. With that in mind, the Elks Drug Awareness Program reaches out to youth of all ages and backgrounds.