The Opioid Epidemic In The USA

Since 2012, the drug epidemic, or more precisely – the opioid epidemic, has exploded in the United States. This country now has the highest number of opioid users in the world.

According to a report by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 72,000 people died from an opioid overdose (primarily fentanyl and heroin) during 2017. In the United States, drugs kill more people than HIV, firearms, and even car accidents.

In the face of this growing crisis, North American antirus policy is moving away from the largely ineffective “tough love” approach it has used for decades. Legislators will move towards a reform of the framework and dialogue on drug use.

Instead of an anti-drug policy based on prohibition and criminalization, this approach will be based on public health, psychology and human rights. What will this look like, and what will it mean for the United States? Let’s dive a little deeper to find out.

The opioid epidemic in the United States

The war on drugs in the United States has never stopped. Instead, it has changed over time. The introduction of crack cocaine around 1984 affected the nation, but mostly affected dark-skinned and Hispanic people living in urban areas.

At the time, the response from the authorities was “zero tolerance”. Law enforcement even punished non-violent drug-related crime very severely.

On the other hand, although heroin use has increased across all demographic groups, the current opioid epidemic primarily affects middle- and upper-class white people.

As if that were not enough, the use of fentanyl, a synthetic painkiller, is also on the rise. This is primarily due to the fact that it is made in a laboratory and that it is easier to transport. However, it is even more dangerous than any other medication. It is significantly more toxic than morphine, and stronger than heroin.

Opioids number emotional and physical pain

One of the causes of the opioid epidemic has to do with the incorrect use of prescribed opioids such as oxycodone and other painkillers. Three out of four heroin users started taking opioids in the form of prescription painkillers.

Several states in the United States have sued pharmaceutical companies because they apparently encourage the use of this type of medication. In addition, they accuse the companies of trying to influence doctors.

However, as the awareness of how serious the problem actually is spreads, doctors are holding back more and more when it comes to prescribing this type of strong medication.

Six years ago, prescription opioids were responsible for 80% of deaths caused by overdose. These days, however, heroin and fentanyl are responsible for almost half of all deaths.

There are also more than 2 million people who are addicted to these chemicals. In fact, President Donald Trump in the United States declared a public health crisis due to the opioid crisis in October 2017.

Heroin in the United States has devastating effects on the country as a whole

Obama also fought against the abuse of prescription painkillers during his time as president. He asked health professionals to reduce the number of opioids they prescribed, but drug addicts turned to Mexican heroin instead.

In West Virginia, drug companies sold about 780 million painkillers between 2007 and 2012. According to the DEA, there are more than 421 pills per person. Major drug companies joined forces to continue to deny the allegations.

In other states like Maryland, lawmakers are releasing special funds that they usually save for natural disasters. In Kentucky, police, firefighters and even ordinary citizens fought against overdose. The problem in Kentucky was very serious. If an employer quit a job and demanded a drug test, many of the potential candidates would not even show up.

As you can see, the consequences of the opioid epidemic in American society are quite dramatic.

To change the approach to the opioid epidemic

Following the example of the fight against cigarette manufacturers in the 90s, several states have sued some pharmaceutical companies, as we mentioned earlier. The focus has thus gone from criminalizing drug users, to criminalizing the companies that make drugs.

The new demographics about users have also helped to make people more aware of the problem. Parents and families of this particular group of drug addicts are more likely to involve and speak out for their children. They have somehow managed to get the authorities to respond to this crisis with more understanding and compassion.

Now 15% of the budget is set aside to “reduce damage”. States will focus on increasing access to clean syringes and Naloxone, the drug that can save your life if you take an overdose.

The widespread scope of the opioid epidemic has virtually eliminated the brutal and painful stigma attached to addicts. This is a positive development, but there is still a lot to be done if we are to solve this problem once and for all. Continue reading on the topic and explore ways to get involved. The change must happen over time, little by little.