Get Clean – Call us today!

Opioid Epidemic – A State of Emergency

Some time ago, the federal government declared the Opioid Epidemic a National State of Emergency. But a strong plan to accompany this declaration has not emerged that we are aware of. While awaiting this plan, approximately 150 people are dying every day of drug overdoses, a number that only keeps growing.

By Shayne Sundholm, CEO Clean Recovery Centers

Children at risk

Children are now being exposed to opioids and other powerful drugs daily in schools and at parties with their friends. These kids usually start with pot and some alcohol. However, with other more powerful drugs now so prevalent, many succumb to peer pressure and try them in much the same way they tried “a little pot and/or some alcohol.”

Many defenders of the total legalization of marijuana claim that it is not a gateway drug. These statements tend to be made by people who are not addicted to drugs – social marijuana users who are not drug addicts or alcoholics.

Starting points

Being in the treatment space, I can tell you that a great number of addicts start with marijuana and alcohol, and it escalates from that point.

To be clear, I am not against marijuana or alcohol use or prescription pain medications. Many people can use these substances responsibly. But most of the millions of suffering and recovering addicts are not able to do so.

In general, most people are not able to use drugs such as opioids, benzo’s, cocaine and meth in a social manner. Many users of these substances eventually become addicted. These issues make the addiction problem rather complex. Whatever we are doing as a society to figure this out isn’t working very well. What can be done?

Band aid solution

The federal government recommends improved prescription tracking; increased treatment and education on substance use; and a call to ensure that law enforcement always carry the counter-overdose drug naloxone.

I am sure these people mean well, but to me this sounds very much like a band aid solution to a problem that goes much deeper. In fact, much of society currently does not believe that addiction is a disease despite mountains of evidence to the contrary.

This is huge problem.

Big challenge

Additionally, there is a tremendous stigma around the disease of addiction, which is very similar to the AIDS stigma of the 80’s and 90’s. Most people now look back on that thinking as shameful. How is it different than the stigma with addiction? It isn’t.

Overcoming this epidemic will be an enormous task. Much will need to be done across a multitude of groups and communities at the federal, state and local levels. Education will need to be key.

If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for addiction to fentanyl, contact us today at (727) 493-6462 to find out how we can help.

Recent Posts

PTSD Symptoms: The Invisible Scars That Cause Distress

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” – C. G. Jung You couldn’t help your reaction – the way your partner raised their voice took you right back to the past. Immediately, it was like you were thrown into your old life with your ex-partner, and...

How Long Can a Panic Attack Last: Breaking Down the Timeline

It’s never happened to you before, but suddenly you feel anxious. Your hands begin to shake and you can’t stop thinking something bad is about to happen. It feels like an elephant has taken up residence on your chest and each breath becomes difficult. What is...

Panic Disorder Symptoms: What They Are and Why They Occur

No matter how hard you try, you can’t explain why it happens. You will be walking through the grocery store when your heart rate picks up, sweat beads on your forehead, and you can’t shake the feeling that something bad is about to happen. Why does this keep happening...

Anxiety vs Panic Attack: Key Differences in Disorders and Presentation

Feelings of anxiety can seem to creep up and fill you from the inside out. These feelings can hang on for days, holding you down and keeping you from your life. Though others may have similar feelings, for you they come on faster and stronger, often in a plague...

Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol: Why Are They So Frequently Connected?

Having a mental health condition impacts every aspect of your life. Some days it feels impossible to get out of your head, leaving you to wonder how you can silence the thoughts of depression or anxiety. Finally, you find a solution in alcohol, but this ends up being...