The opioid epidemic is rampant in my home state. According to Castlight, a reputable health research firm whereby organizations such as North Carolina Rural Health News retrieve critical information, four of the top 25 cities for opioid abuse are in North Carolina, including the number one spot (Barbee, 2016). While opioid abuse includes the illegal drug heroin, the epidemic is largely spurred by the abuse of prescribed opioid painkillers.

This series of three infographics was created for Facebook, to give followers of a health advocacy and service institution an idea of who is abusing opioids (it’s not always the stereotypical “drug addict” persona) and why they are being prescribed the drugs in the first place. The color palette is based in a deep blue, a color traditionally associated with medical societies, and is accented with red-tones, evoking danger, blood, and a high-stakes situation.

Barbee, G. (2016). Breaking Down Opioid Abuse Trends in America’s Workforce. Castlight Health. Retrieved May 6, 2016.