The public feels opioid use is a serious problem in Phoenix and is very supportive of funding substance abuse intervention and treatment initiatives, a city of Phoenix survey found.
All 19 initiatives pitched to the public by city staff received at least a 3.5 average on a scale of 5 and most were above a 4, according to Arizona State University Health Solutions professor Michelle Shiota, who assisted the city in the survey.
The survey results, presented last week to the Phoenix Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee, also found the issue of opioid abuse hits home with Valley residents. Of the 765 respondents to the survey, 31% had used opioids in the past five years, 48% know someone addicted to opioids, 61% know someone addicted to another substance, 42% have encountered at least one person in the past three years who appeared to have overdosed, and 70% believe opioid use is a very serious problem in the community.
