Introduction
Individuals’ addictions can be discussed as a serious problem faced by the population in many countries in the world, including the United States. Addictions can arise from many factors, including psychological, biological, social, and political ones. In this paper, it is important to conduct a critical reflective analysis of how addictions and persons suffering from addictions are perceived and treated in a healthcare system, nursing, and US society today.
Problem of Addiction in Society
The problem of substance abuse is critical for modern society in the United States. As it is stated by Smith and Borden (2020), currently about “20.3 million Americans struggle with a drug or alcohol problem” (p. 1). The problem is that substance abuse can lead to long-term health problems, including mental health problems, eating disorders, and other health problems. However, in many cases, people tend to perceive addictions as inappropriate behaviors or even crimes rather than medical problems. Thus, in the United States, there are many labels and stereotypes that are used in terms of regarding individuals with addictions (Preedy & Patel, 2022). As a result, many people suffering from drug or alcohol abuse prefer to hide the fact and not to seek help from medical institutions, resulting in severe consequences for health and social life.
It is important to understand that substance use disorders represent a medical problem, and that is why, it is especially important for nurses to be aware of the problems experienced by people with addictions. Some types of eating disorders, drug abuse, and alcoholism are the most common addictions, and nurses should be aware of the latest methods of diagnosis, treatment, and care for those with addictions (Preedy & Patel, 2022). As a result, not only medical knowledge is needed, but also social and psychological skills are required to help nurses better understand the problem and support a patient.
Social Order and Inequality
The problem is that, in the United States, people with addictions belong to vulnerable population groups. As a result, they often experience inequality in access to healthcare, and this fact can lead to worsening the situation. Forms of power and hegemony, such as discrimination, inequality in access to resources, inequality in social support, and restricted access to socially beneficial information and assistance, can lead to worsening the dependency status for persons with addictions (Werder et al., 2022). There are many social barriers that prevent these individuals from building positive social relations. For example, there is a widely held belief that drugs or alcohol addiction is a matter of choice and does not require professional help, and this view can impede free choice to cope with this health problem (Preedy & Patel, 2022). Furthermore, privileged groups in society may have different attitudes toward the problem of addiction, depending on their views and values, and their visions are promoted. As a result, people with addictions become isolated and lacking required care and assistance.
In order to contribute to solving the addiction problem and other problem-related health issues, it is necessary to provide vulnerable groups and nurses with access to resources for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Information and educational programs should be made available to a wider audience, helping people better understand the problem and get the help they need (Smith & Borden, 2020). Due to a lack of direct experience with addiction, privileged groups may underestimate the complexity and seriousness of this issue. This can lead to developing stereotypes and stigmatization of individuals with addiction. Therefore, social and healthcare programs are required in order to improve the awareness of the problem of addiction and its aspects (Werder et al., 2022). It is also important to emphasize not only personal responsibility and discipline, but also social and economic factors that may contribute to the development of addiction in many people.
Solutions and Importance for Nursing
To change the status quo and benefit people with addictions, some steps can be taken. Thus, it is important to raise awareness within society and dismantle stereotypes about drug and alcohol abuse, making the recovery process more accessible and supportive. Furthermore, it is necessary to increase funding and expand access to addiction treatment programs for everyone, regardless of their social and economic status. Nurses should receive opportunities to provide support and resources for those who work in treatment programs to reduce the risk of relapse and ensure stable recovery (Smith & Borden, 2020). Abandoning the punitive approach to drug policy and transitioning to an approach based on care, treatment, and support for individuals with addiction are also essential steps.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to note that substance abuse disorders or addictions represent significant problems for the healthcare system and society in the United States. It is essential to overcome social stigmatization regarding addictions and provide support to persons with substance abuse problems as they often represent vulnerable social groups. As a result, they are often deprived of access to needed resources and assistance. For nurses, it is especially important to understand the problem, have access to the latest data on diagnosis, treatment, and care for those people suffering from certain types of addictions. In addition, society should create conditions and policies for accessible and professional treatment in the country.
References
Preedy, V. R., & Patel, V. B. (Eds.). (2022). Handbook of substance misuse and addictions: From biology to public health. Springer International Publishing.
Smith, C. H., & Borden, K. A. (2020). Introduction to the special issue on substance use disorders and addictions. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 51(1), 1–4. Web.
Werder, K., Curtis, A., Reynolds, S., & Satterfield, J. (2022). Addressing bias and stigma in the language we use with persons with opioid use disorder: A narrative review. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 28(1), 9-22. Web.