If you’re in the United States, it’s likely you’ve experienced the heartache of losing classmates or loved ones to what is often termed opioid addiction. This epidemic has claimed countless lives, with the National Institute of Health recording 47,600 opioid-related deaths in 2017—up from 8,048 in 1999. That’s about 130 lives lost each day, and projections suggest this figure will keep climbing.
Those battling what the American Medical Association refers to as “opioid-use disorder” (OUD) face severe societal stigma. You might picture a teenager pilfering painkillers from their parent’s medicine cabinet or a scruffy individual loitering outside a gas station. Images of frail bodies and disheveled appearances often come to mind, accompanied by derogatory terms like junkie or addict. However, the reality is far more complex.
Take, for instance, a young man named Alex Robinson, who tragically succumbed to this crisis at just 31 years old. In his obituary, his family noted that he “died unexpectedly.” Despite his struggles, Alex was fit and worked hard in manual labor. He had the build of an athlete, exuding a charm that made it hard to believe he was grappling with OUD. He believed that diligence would be his salvation, but a single lapse in judgment altered his fate forever. He had intended to show up for work that day.
The stigma surrounding OUD is so pervasive that a trained professional in Syracuse, New York, who taught others how to use Narcan—a life-saving medication that counteracts opioid overdoses—lost his life to an overdose himself. His director stated that while a few knew he was using again, he never sought help. “People end up using alone, and they die alone,” he lamented.
Similarly, Sarah Miller, whose daughter Emily has faced OUD, often begins her story by emphasizing her active role as a mother. She coached sports teams and was heavily involved in her daughter’s life. Sarah travels around Pennsylvania, sharing her experiences to help dismantle the stigma that those like her daughter encounter.
The American Medical Association asserts that opioid addiction is often misunderstood as a moral failing or a conscious choice. The National Academies of Sciences indicate that over 2 million Americans live with OUD, a chronic brain disease caused by changes in brain structure due to prolonged opioid use. Unfortunately, barriers to treatment are numerous, fueled by societal stigma and the legal system, which frequently disrupts effective treatments like methadone. According to the Surgeon General, only one in four individuals received treatment for OUD last year, a statistic that may be overly optimistic, as the AMA suggests only two in ten have proper access. Many individuals also suffer from co-occurring mental health issues, yet few get adequate care for both conditions.
This stigma has real consequences. When healthcare providers use terms like “clean” and “dirty” to describe urine tests, they perpetuate harmful stereotypes. One individual shared in the American Psychological Association how stigma impacted his ability to secure housing and educational opportunities—even while in recovery. The more stigmatized individuals feel, the less inclined they are to seek help, leading to higher rates of overdose.
People picture a junkie or an addict, associating it with moral failing and choice. What they often overlook is the intricate interplay of brain chemistry, genetics, and a genuine lack of choice. These individuals have reached a point where their addiction has taken over, and they require medical assistance to reclaim their lives. They need understanding and support from their families. They remain the same person they once were.
Alex loved movies, a passion that started in childhood when he would ask his uncle about going to the cinema. Sadly, as his addiction deepened, those outings became a distant memory. “We never got to see another movie together,” his uncle reflected.
This is the authentic face of OUD—not the stereotype you might envision. It embodies the poignant question that lingers: “When can we go see another movie?” The stigma surrounding this issue is what leaves that question unanswered.
For more perspectives on the topic, check out this engaging blog post here. It’s crucial to address the complexities of such issues with compassion, and if you’re looking for more insights on related matters, consider visiting this resource.
Summary
The opioid crisis presents a multifaceted challenge, far removed from societal stereotypes. Many individuals grappling with opioid-use disorder are often fit and functioning members of society, hidden behind the stigma that prevents them from seeking help. The tragic stories of those affected reveal the urgent need for understanding and compassion. Breaking down the barriers of stigma can foster a more supportive environment for recovery.