The Opioid Crisis

Samir Araj
Aug 31, 2018 · 6 min read

How many people do you know that have been prescribed opioids for pain? How many people do you know that have ever been addicted to opioids? The statistics of the opioid epidemic in the United States are quite alarming: of the 20.5 million Americans that had a substance use disorder, two million of them had a substance use disorder involving opioids. Different factors of opioids increase its addiction rate: its short-term effectiveness, the lack of education about these drugs, and the high it gives you. Together, we can make a change to combat this hazard.

Opioids are a class of drugs known for their pain-killing and sedating properties. It affects the limbic system, which controls pleasure and relaxation, the brainstem, which controls automatic movements such as breathing or coughing, and the spinal cord, which controls pain. The effect of sedation that opioids give is why many users of this drug keep coming back for more.

The higher the dosage consumed, the stronger the “high,” but the bigger the chance of overdosing. Its uses can be found in painkillers and cough suppressants, such as codeine. In the 90’s, opioids such as oxycodone were deemed to be non-addictive and ideal for pain relief, and were frequently prescribed by doctors during this time. Soon, however, many people began overdosing on opioids, either to achieve a high or because the drug stopped being effective for pain, due to its short effectiveness and quick tolerance buildup. Many feel trapped in their addiction.

Since 1999, an enormous amount of people have died from opioid overdose. In fact, 52,404 people died from lethal opioid overdose in 2015 alone. When taken in conjunction with other drugs, the effects can be devastating, even deadly, as the synergism (combined effects) can slow your breathing to the point that it stops. In the United States, millions of futures have been cut short, millions of lives wiped away; it’s time to really question whether this narcotic has a place in our society.

When people have become addicted to opioid medication and can’t get any more, they turn to other alternatives, such as the illicit drug heroin or fentanyl. Many turn to these drugs because their prescription runs out and they remain addicted, suffering through horrifying withdrawal symptoms, which can include extreme pain, insomnia, irritability, and diarrhea. Heroin and fentanyl are much cheaper options than drugs such as hydrocodone or oxycodone. Statistics show that 591,000 of the 2 million Americans that had become addicted to opioids had a substance use disorder involving heroin.

The opioid epidemic has shown no discrimination to one group or another; it is as prevalent in the common demographic as it is for the Hollywood elite. A recent victim was former Disney star Demi Lovato, who overdosed on heroin in her home in late July. Last year, rapper Lil Peep overdosed after taking Xanax (medication for anxiety) laced with fentanyl, killing him. Heath Ledger, who played The Joker, took a lethal cocktail of anxiety, sleep, and pain medications, two of them being oxycodone and hydrocodone.

Heath Ledger died at 28

The widespread destruction caused by opioids will not stop any time soon if we don’t take preventative measures.

Lack of education of the drug has led to problems such as taking more than the prescribed amount and sharing medication with friends and family: a shocking 53% of prescription opioid users got their last painkillers from a friend or relative. Many people simply don’t know about the dangers of opioids and the health risks that abusing prescription drugs implicates. In the 90’s, even healthcare providers did not know the dangers of these substances when they prescribed them to people; they were reassured by pharmaceutical companies that their users would not get addicted and that it would be incredibly effective: it was hailed as a miracle drug.

Macklemore’s song, “Drug Dealer,” raising awareness for prescription pill addiction

Awareness spread by individuals or groups can help end this problem. One such organization fighting for the cause is the American Society of Addiction Medicine, who have founded CSOO, Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose. CSOO brought together a diverse group of likeminded individuals in health care, substance abuse disorder, and mental health professions with the goal of promoting policy changes and elevating national conversation regarding opioid overdose. Steps in the right direction, like the ones of CSOO, can be enacted by common folk like you and I, saving thousands. Together, we can turn these steps into historical leaps.

The tragedy and heartbreak caused by opioid overdoses can be prevented when the public is informed of its dangers. The United States consumes 80% of the world’s prescription opioid drugs, and it’s becoming increasingly common to have a friend who’s become accidentally addicted, or to see another celebrity boasting about popping Percocet’s and drinking lean. When we see just how dangerous opioids can be and how many lives it can destroy, it’s clear to see that we need both legislative and social changes. Next time opioids come in conversation, give your feedback and make a change.

Narrative:

I’ve chosen the topic of the opioid crisis because it’s an issue that has affected many people that I know: friends, teachers, parents, and celebrities. It’s a widespread problem in this country that I’m sure has affected many of us in one way or another. I want to inform the audience of the dangers of opioid abuse and equip them with the information necessary to prevent themselves from falling victim to opioids, and to give them the motivation to go out and spread awareness about this topic so they can help others.

To catch the reader’s attention, I used a personal question directing the reader. Like I’ve said, thousands have been affected by this issue, so it’s likely that the reader will think about the question. In the first paragraph, I also use statistics to, once again, catch the reader’s attention. The statistic that talks about 2 million opioid users is meant to entice the reader into wanting to learn more. In the end of the paragraph, after the main points are introduced, the stance is clearly introduced: we must stop opioid abuse.

I start by introducing the drug in the first body paragraph. A general audience may not necessarily know what opioids are or what they’re for. The important questions of how the drug works and how the epidemic started are answered. Statistics provide a strong, credible claim to just how deadly these drugs are.

In the second body paragraph is where people may connect with the opioid problem more. They can better sympathize with the people, such as when their motives and withdrawal effects are talked about. The reader can really connect when I talk about the different celebrities that have been impacted by the opioid crisis. These are real people who have gone through the real struggles of opioid addiction, and it further demonstrates that it can happen to anyone.

A solution, that of spreading awareness, is introduced to the reader. This paragraph shows the efforts being done to put an end to the opioid crisis. The example of the CCSO gives a good guideline of how people should take steps to help slow the opioid crisis. This paragraph, along with the concluding paragraph, serves as a call of action to the reader.

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