The Opioid Epidemic and How to Address It

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Efficient Approaches
The Use of Resources
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The widespread opioid epidemic has forced many to endure significant pain and suffering. Numerous individuals have passed away; the epidemic has damaged countless families and communities irreparably. Since the problem is intricate and nuanced, it will require various approaches that concentrate on different facets of the epidemic. A multi-pronged approach will be required to fully address this issue, favoring such treatment options as behavioral therapies and pharmaceutical methods.

Efficient Approaches

Increasing access to addiction treatment is one approach that is frequently mentioned. The inability to obtain inexpensive healthcare is one of the main barriers to treating drug addiction. Only a small portion of the estimated 20.3 million Americans with substance use problems received treatment, according to data from 2018, with financial difficulties being the leading cause (Hanson et al., 2020, p. 675). Addressing this may entail expanding the number of treatments that have been shown effective, such as medication-assisted therapy, behavioral therapy, and peer support initiatives (Hanson et al., 2020). Additionally, it might be necessary to raise the standard and accessibility of care, especially in remote and underserved areas. This includes educating more medical professionals in addiction treatment, offering financial incentives to motivate them to practice in these fields, and raising funding for initiatives and services. The benefits of lower costs and better outcomes can be enjoyed by society by ensuring access to comprehensive care.

On the other hand, the over-prescription of opioid medicines, which plays a significant role in the emergence of addiction, must also be addressed. Implementing prescription drug monitoring programs, educating healthcare professionals more, and tackling illegal distribution and prescription drug addiction are some ways to achieve this. In order to lessen the reliance on opioid medicines, non-opioid pain management options, including physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic care, should be made more widely accessible.

The Use of Resources

Considering the scope of the opioid epidemic, it is crucial to think about how to make the greatest use of available resources. As a sizeable number of them do not receive treatment because of a lack of funding, it will take a deliberate and methodical strategy to stop the opioid crisis. Resources must be distributed in a way that considers all facets of the issue, from prevention and treatment to recovery and support. Thus, the most effective approaches should be prioritized for funding. For this, it is necessary to have a thorough awareness of the problem and the flexibility to modify and improve as circumstances dictate.

As it stands, both pharmacological and drug-free methods are among the most effective approaches. Behavioral therapies are one especially beneficial strategy; they target numerous drugs and employ various techniques to assist people in achieving their goals. A standout among these treatments is cognitive behavioral therapy (Hanson et al., 2020). In addition, pharmacological treatments such as methadone, naloxone and naltrexone, buprenorphine, and disulfiram have been used to treat opioid addiction, with methadone being particularly effective in treating this particular substance abuse disorder (Hanson et al., 2020). These treatments are based on the properties of the drug to which the patients are addicted and aim to suppress the effects of narcotic drugs. It can be seen that behavioral therapies and pharmacological approaches are the ones that merit priority for funding and resource allocation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing the opioid crisis requires a holistic strategy incorporating pharmaceutical and behavioral treatments. Resources must be distributed in a way that considers all facets of the issue, from prevention and treatment to recovery and support, while behavioral therapies and pharmaceutical treatments need to be prioritized due to their proven impact. For this, it is necessary to have a thorough awareness of the problem and the flexibility to modify and improve as circumstances dictate. It is possible to overcome substance misuse and addiction and have a better, more rewarding life with the correct combination of therapy and support.

References

Hanson, G. R., Venturelli, P. J., & Fleckenstein, A. E. (2020). Drugs & Society. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Click Here To Order Now!

The Opioid Epidemic and How to Address It

Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?

We have qualified writers to help you.

We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.

You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)