Article snippet: ONDCP specialists shared various threats and programs to help assist Americans impacted by those suffering addiction in their families. Young mothers, youth, and families affected were highlighted for some of the discussion. Director of National Drug Control Policy Jim Carroll recognized the first lady as an “outstanding champion” in the fight againstthe opioid epidemic. He thanked her for participation that morning in the Community Anti-Drug Coalition (CADCA) conference in National Harbor, Maryland. He pointed to the importance and effectiveness of peer-to-peer influence among America’s youth. Associate Director of the National Opioids and Synthetics Coordination Group Kemp Chester shared statistics on the vast amount of drugs coming over the U.S. southern border with Mexico. “While we still have a substantial problem with heroin in the United States, all of which comes from Mexico, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and its analogs really have been the driver of the overdose deaths that we’ve seen in the United States,” said Chester. Several other ONDCP officials shared the specifics of the continually emerging and evolving issues with the opioid epidemic, as well as what the office is doing to aid Americans affected. U.S. Customs and Border Protection canines have been one effective method of detecting drug traffickers’ attempts to smuggle into the country. Officials noted the potency and deadliness of fentanyl, as well as a rapid increase in overdose deaths f... Link to the full article to read more