Opioids are a form of drug often used medically to manage moderate to severe pain in patients. It can also be used to treat diarrhea and coughing. According to Spehr et al. (2017), when using this drug for medical purposes, one has to follow strict guidelines from the doctor. One of the major effects of opioids is that they make their users feel relaxed, which has made it one of the most abused drugs. A report by Carmichael et al. (2016) indicates that about 2 million Americans use it for non-medical purposes, and more than 90 people die daily because of it. The criminal justice system, through the Drug Enforcement Administration and other government agencies, has been keen on fighting the abuse of this drug within the country. The focus of this paper is to analyze the nature of this problem, its impact, and how it can be managed through policy change and other strategies.
Reasons Why Opioids Abuse is Becoming Common in the United States
The abuse of opioids is becoming increasingly common in the United States. One of the reasons causing this problem is the accessibility of the drug. Spehr et al. (2017) explain that unlike hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine, which are illegal in the country, opioids are prescription drugs, which are often legally available across the country in drug stores. Some people start using the drug for medicinal purposes before getting addicted because of prolonged use or other reasons (Carmichael et al., 2016). Purchasing hard drugs is a challenge, especially for those who lack connections to local dealers and criminal elements. However, one can easily access opioids as long as they can convince rogue doctors to prescribe the drug for them. The drug is also relatively less expensive compared to the other alternatives in the country.
Impact of Opioids Abuse
The abuse of opioids has devastating consequences on the user and society in general. From a medical perspective, the drug has a similar impact on the abuser as other hard drugs such as Cannabis sativa, heroin, and cocaine (Spehr et al., 2017). Once taken, it creates a false sense of happiness as it takes effect on one’s brain and the entire neurological system. As with other drugs, it becomes addictive. It means that the abuser will eventually rely on it to function normally. Before taking opioids, they will experience withdrawal symptoms such as pain in their entire body, lack of strength, and general discomfort. Such individuals will be forced to take the drug on a regular basis.
The more they continue to abuse the drug, the worse their medical condition becomes. According to Carmichael et al. (2016), these individuals are often forced to increase their dosage regularly to get the desired feeling, as their system gets used to the drug. It reaches a level where the body can no longer withstand the toxic materials in the drug. It is responsible for many deaths in the country, especially among youths (Spehr et al., 2017). Other than the negative health effects, addiction to opioids also has a negative economic impact. Addicts are forced to use the resources they have to purchase the drug instead of using it on developmental projects. Others even engage in criminal activities so that they can have enough money to purchase the drug.
How to Manage the Problem
It is important for American society to find ways of managing this challenge. Individual abusers of this drug and their families have a major role to play in solving the problem. It starts with one acknowledging that they have an addiction issue and becoming willing to find a lasting solution. With the help of family and friends, these individuals can then go to rehabilitation centers where they can be assisted to overcome the problem. Spehr et al. (2017) explain that the success of such programs often depends on the willpower of the addict and the support they get from their loved ones. It is also essential for the government to help in this fight through policy development. Carmichael et al. (2016) believe that the problem of opioid abuse has been brought about by rogue doctors and pharmacists who are willing to prescribe and dispense the drug knowing that it will not be used for medical purposes. The government should enact policies both at federal and state levels that would discourage such practices. These policies should outline stiff punishment for those involved in the abuse of their profession.
Conclusion
Opioid abuse is becoming a common problem in the United States. The ease with which addicts can access this drug and its cost are making it a drug of choice for many people. Studies have shown that over 30,000 people lose their lives annually in the country because of the abuse of the drug. It is critical for the entire society to play a major role in combating this problem. Families should support their loved ones and ensure that they go to rehabilitation facilities for appropriate therapy to help them overcome their addiction. Such individuals have to admit that they need such solutions for there to be a success in the process. The government should also find effective policies for enforcing the law to limit the availability of the drug.
References
Carmichael, A., Morgan, L., & Fabbro, E. (2016). Identifying and assessing the risk of opioid abuse in patients with cancer: An integrative review. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 7(2), 71-79.
Spehr, M., Coddington, J., Ahmed, A., & Jones, E. (2017). Parental opioid abuse: Barriers to care, policy, and implications for primary care pediatric providers. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 31(6), 695-702.