THE SILENT EPIDEMIC: OPIOID ABUSE

BY ERIC SANTANA – In the last decade, there has been a steady increase in the number of deaths related to the misuse of an increasingly common class of drugs known as Opioids. Opioids are drugs that bind to the µ-opioid receptor of the brain    and encompass a variety of substances such as fentanyl, heroin, and pain relievers such as Oxycodone and Hydrocodone. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the misuse of this drug has accounted for over 49,000 deaths due to overdose and other complications. To put this in perspective in 2002, the number of deaths was closer to 10,000. This steady increase may be attributed to a variety of factors such as societal conditions, perspective on drugs, and notably a larger interest along with misuse throughout younger generations 18-24 years old particularly in relation to pharmaceutical opioids. Opioids have a rich and deep history in their plague of addiction and it is not something that we can allow to fly below the radar.

Opioids are known to have mind and body numbing effects, it is truly a way for the user to escape from reality and almost bypass the understanding and acknowledgement of their own existence. Many users take these forms of drugs in order to make themselves feel better, when in truth these drugs are often also the cause of depression, due to their addictive natures and false representation of the true nature of reality. Therefore, not only do they pose a threat physically, but also mentally often involving complications with depression and anxiety due to addiction. Opioids, specifically, pharmaceutical drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone are known as pain relievers. Moreover, when they are misused, they produce a large rush of feelings of relief and a numbing feeling that almost pushes users to forget any signs of physical  or mental discomfort. At first this may seem very appealing because it can serve as a potential way to relax. In some scenarios for people who are in serious pain, this can be very beneficial and truly alleviate pain that could not be tolerated in any other situation. However, the dangers of this medication when abused surely outweigh any of the benefits that it provides. As previously stated, when medications such as these are abused they create a heavy dependency which can be very dangerous seeing that it will lead to more and more consumption of these drugs. At higher doses these drugs begin to accelerate the heart rate and this alone can lead to death. Alternatively, at lower doses it generally provides a more drowsy feeling which can be beneficial. However, once one is addicted and begins consuming more and more it is clear the benefits fade. Additionally, as one continues  increasing the dosage of these drugs the potential for overdose is highly likely and when mixed with other drugs such as alcohol it poses an even larger threat. It is estimated that 115 people die every day due to overdoses from opioids.

One reason that the amount of overdoses and general presence of pharmaceutical opioids has increased is in part due to the structure and system created by the American pharmaceutical and medical industries. These industries are not all to blame, however, they have made the issue significantly worse. The issue that has occurred is that doctors today can, at times, prescribe medications much too freely, particularly pain relievers such as Oxycodone. This often can be in part due to pressure from pharmaceuticals to prescribe their drug. Often if someone breaks their arm or has a surgery, they receive high doses of medications such as these. This creates a very easy way to stimulate an addiction or dependency, which leads to using the medication even after the pain has dissipated. One of the reasons this may occur easily is due to the fact that patients are not educated enough of the potential dangers of this medication. They are simply informed to take it to help the pain with that being the end of its instructions. By not truly divulging into the fact that this medication could cause heavy addiction as well as painful symptoms of withdrawal, the patients are kept in the dark and left at risk. Therefore, change needs to occur. Patients, first off, need to educate themselves on the dangers of medications such as these. Additionally, doctors need to be more thorough and conscious of the dangers these medications pose to their patients, particularly to those who are younger and perhaps more inexperienced with these sort of medications.

Many critics blame addiction on a lack of character or a lack of will, but in reality I strongly believe that drugs such as these possess such an addictive nature that there sometimes is no way out for certain individuals once they begin misusing them. Therefore, the way to aid them is not to pressure and question their character, but instead provide real consistent help that will allow them to overcome this chemical addiction. Some resources that are available include rehabilitation centers, other medications that help combat addiction and aid recovery, counseling, and many other potential sources to truly combat the real problems one has. Today the world is full of examples of lives that have been taken too young or too early due to the presence of the abuse of opioids. One recent example in pop culture is hip hop artist Malcolm McCormick who died at the age of 26 on September 7th, 2018 due to the abuse of opioids and an apparent overdose. Malcolm is more commonly known by his stage name Mac Miller and for a large amount of time he had been struggling through a variety of substance abuse as well as mental issues, including depression. This is a prime example of the dangers of opioids. Essentially it acts as a very easy way to alleviate pain, however the dangers as I and this example have exhibited are deadly. Opioids take advantage of the fact that people may be undergoing difficulty such as depression or other personal issues by furthering its addictive properties in order to truly mentally and physically handicap the user. Mac Miller is just one example of the thousands that have been grasped by the iron grip of opioids, and there are many others that could be mentioned all emphasizing the same point. Opioids are a powerful chemical drug and it can take anyone’s life and flip it upside down, therefore it should be taken seriously and only when absolutely necessary.

The opioid epidemic is real and has taken the lives of far too many. The numbers and statistics do not lie and the fact is it is time for change. As consumers and patients, we need to educate ourselves of the dangers and the presence of this danger in our society in order to not only better the general understanding in our own lives, but also for those around us. Doctors need to begin to remind themselves of their Hippocratic oath by prioritizing the health and sanity of the patient thoroughly explaining the implications and ensure that they are aware of these dangers surrounding opioids. The reality of abuse regarding opioids has gone unnoticed far past its’ expiration date and can no longer be a silent epidemic. We must all think and deeply consider this essential question, are you ready to lose a loved one to the abuse of opioids?