Opioid Addiction in America

 What is Opioid Addiction?

(Photo taken from chronogram.co, 2021)

Opioid addiction is the physical or mental dependence on opioids. Opioids are drugs that affect the nervous system by relieving pain and creating feelings of pleasure. Opioids are frequently prescribed by medical professionals to individuals enduring severe pain. Some of the most commonly prescribed opioids are oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine (Opioid addiction: MedlinePlus Genetics 2020).

Opioid addiction is distinguished by a strong, uncontrollable desire to keep using opioids in spite of no longer medically needing them. Opioids have a high potential for causing addiction amongst users even when taking a recommended dose prescribed by a medical professional. Opioids users can also suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as muscle cramping and anxiety(Opioid addiction: MedlinePlus Genetics 2020).  

(Photo taken from NAHB.org)

Opioids have the potential of being fatal. Taking opioids in large amounts can lead to overdose. Users experiencing an opioid overdose  will have shortness or complete stoppage of breath. If not treated immediately by medical professionals, the user will slowly become unconscious and pass away(Opioid addiction: MedlinePlus Genetics 2020). 

(Photo taken from drugabuse.gov, 2021)

How is Opioid Addiction Relevant to Me?

As a criminal justice major, substance abuse is frequently discussed as a variable contributing to the large prison/jail population. Individuals who are addicted to drugs typically see their whole lives deteriorate due to their urgent needs to satisfy their withdrawals. Drug addicts can lose their jobs and housing and be forced to live on the streets where they are more likely to be seen abusing drugs by law enforcement officers.

I chose the topic of opioid addiction because I feel it does not receive the attention it deserves. When thinking of drug users, people often think of people they do not typically associate with such as gang members. However, I want people to understand that opioid addiction can happen to anyone. For example, your parents can hurt their back at work, receive surgery, be prescribed opioids, and then lose their job due to their overwhelming urge to satisfy their opioid withdrawals. I hope this post can create a feeling of empathy towards drug addicts in incarceration instead of immediately judging them for their actions.

References

Craig, A. (2021, April 12). Combatting opioid addiction in the Hudson Valley. Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://www.chronogram.com/hudsonvalley/combatting-opioid-addiction-in-the-hudson-valley/Content?oid=6261860

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021, February 25). Overdose death rates. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates

Opioid addiction: MedlinePlus Genetics. (2020, August 18). Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/opioid-addiction/

Opioids in the home BUILDING Industry: Making it your business. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://www.nahb.org/advocacy/industry-issues/safety-and-health/opioids-in-the-home-building-Industry