Is the opioid crisis over?

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, September 24, 2018:

The opioid crisis has impacted every facet of American life and touched all socio-economic levels.

Recent news reports say that overdose deaths are leveling off after two years of increasing numbers.

Does this mean the opioid crisis over?

Not so fast, according Jennifer Smith, Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. While Pennsylvania and other states have seen a reduction in opioid related deaths, the crisis is not over — but it is changing.

Some areas in the state are seeing a decrease in opioid use, but at the same time they are also seeing marked increase in cocaine and methamphetamine consumption.

What is driving the change? And how are ethnically diverse populations impacted?

Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss the changing opioid crisis is Jennifer Smith, Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and Matt Null, referral development manager of Gaudenzia addiction treatment and recovery.