On September 14, 2018, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation deeming September 16 – September 22, 2018, as Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week. Attorney General Chris Carr is asking all Georgians to join him in recognizing this important issue by visiting DoseofRealityga.org to learn how they can get involved.

“We appreciate the President’s attention to this issue that we are facing as a state and a nation,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “Today, and every day, we will continue our work to raise awareness of the dangers of prescription and illicit opioid misuse and support the many families, friends, coworkers, veterans, neighbors, sons and daughters who are currently struggling as a result of this crisis. We are asking all Georgians to join us by visiting DoseofRealityga.org to learn how you can get involved.”

Dose of Reality

Deaths and hospitalizations from overdoses are increasing, and four out of five heroin addicts start by abusing prescription opioids. Ending the scourge of opioid abuse will take an all-in effort, and the Dose of Reality site will help in that effort. We hope Georgians will use the site to find out how they can do their part in preventing opioid abuse in Georgia. The multi-faceted website provides in-depth informational support for healthcare personnel, students, parents, businesses, educators, coaches, caregivers and seniors.

Other tabs walk visitors through the dangers associated with opioid abuse and best practices for safe acquisition, appropriate use, safe storage and safe disposal. In fact, the site will provide visitor's with access to an interactive Drug Take Back map that will help them find the closet disposal box to them. And, for those who are struggling with addiction or know someone who is, Dose of Reality also aims to serve as a conduit for treatment options.

In addition, those looking to take action can hold outreach events dedicated to raising awareness. Dose of Reality offers a number of suggestions for these events, including information tables, ideas for poster or video contests, community sporting events, town halls and drug take back events. Interested parties can order and download Dose of Reality materials from the Ordering Portal free-of-charge.

Statewide Opioid Task Force

Attorney General Chris Carr created the Statewide Opioid Task Force to provide an infrastructure of communication between the public, private and non-profit sectors, local, state and federal officials and other stakeholders. You can learn more information by contacting the Department of Law’s Communications Director at [email protected].

State of Georgia Opioid Investigation and Litigation

As Attorney General, Chris Carr has dedicated every available resource our office has to fight the opioid epidemic – whether by increasing communication and coordination through our Statewide Opioid Task Force and DoseofRealityga.org, cracking down on illegal prescribing through our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit or conducting training opportunities for law enforcement and prosecutors through our national partnerships. In addition to these efforts, on September 11, 2018, Attorney General Carr announced that he selected outside private counsel to serve as co-counsel in an investigation and litigation involving the manufacture, marketing, sale and distribution of prescription opioid products in the state of Georgia. As our office pursues legal action against those who may have had a role in fueling this epidemic, Attorney General Carr feels very strongly that this legal team’s combined experience and expertise will help put our team in the best position to ensure the interests of Georgians are protected.