A Drug Epidemic
America currently faces a drug crisis like none other--a crisis that kills millions of people and even reached the epidemic status. The opioid epidemic disrupts families, futures, and society as a whole. According to health care reporter, Rachel Roubein, President Trump declared the Opioid Epidemic as a “National Public Health Emergency” in late 2017, and has since extended it twice, fulfilling one of his highly anticipated campaign promises. In his announcement, the president stated, “We can be the generation that ends the opioid epidemic” (Roubein). Historically such declarations are sanctioned for natural disasters or infectious disease outbreaks, so the topic of opioid addiction began receiving more attention amongst politicians …show more content…
Recovery differs from treatment because it includes the overall process of change where patients strive to reach their full potential. Admittedly, opioid misuse is a crime, so some propose more focused efforts on criminalizing drug users and their providers. For example, in March 2018, President Trump proposed becoming tougher on drug crimes and even imposing the death penalty on some drug traffickers (Merica). This method proves inadequate because it lacks emphasis on recovery which provides follow up for people who have gone through treatment. Recovery oriented systems of care embody the idea that severe substance use disorders are best cared for through longer term care. Some components in place for those who define themself as “in recovery” include sober living options, management checkups, and job opportunities. Like other chronic health conditions, substance use disorders can go into remission. To avoid relapse, those treated for addiction require a personalized recovery program. The HHS addiction report offers their additional expertise on recovery oriented care. They delve further into the many aspects of recovery, and how the process differs for every person. They found 86% of individuals with previous substance use disorders saw abstinence as part of their recovery. Many also see recovery as a time of personal growth, with 98% of individuals saying recovery included “Being honest with myself” and “Handling negative feelings without using alcohol or drugs” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). This data shows how a long term recovery program continues to help those with substance use disorders. An article from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, supports the findings from the HHS. They describe how even after a year or two of remission, the risk of relapse remains above 15 percent for four to five years (Lynsen). Since it can take
America currently faces a drug crisis like none other--a crisis that kills millions of people and even reached the epidemic status. The opioid epidemic disrupts families, futures, and society as a whole. According to health care reporter, Rachel Roubein, President Trump declared the Opioid Epidemic as a “National Public Health Emergency” in late 2017, and has since extended it twice, fulfilling one of his highly anticipated campaign promises. In his announcement, the president stated, “We can be the generation that ends the opioid epidemic” (Roubein). Historically such declarations are sanctioned for natural disasters or infectious disease outbreaks, so the topic of opioid addiction began receiving more attention amongst politicians …show more content…
Recovery differs from treatment because it includes the overall process of change where patients strive to reach their full potential. Admittedly, opioid misuse is a crime, so some propose more focused efforts on criminalizing drug users and their providers. For example, in March 2018, President Trump proposed becoming tougher on drug crimes and even imposing the death penalty on some drug traffickers (Merica). This method proves inadequate because it lacks emphasis on recovery which provides follow up for people who have gone through treatment. Recovery oriented systems of care embody the idea that severe substance use disorders are best cared for through longer term care. Some components in place for those who define themself as “in recovery” include sober living options, management checkups, and job opportunities. Like other chronic health conditions, substance use disorders can go into remission. To avoid relapse, those treated for addiction require a personalized recovery program. The HHS addiction report offers their additional expertise on recovery oriented care. They delve further into the many aspects of recovery, and how the process differs for every person. They found 86% of individuals with previous substance use disorders saw abstinence as part of their recovery. Many also see recovery as a time of personal growth, with 98% of individuals saying recovery included “Being honest with myself” and “Handling negative feelings without using alcohol or drugs” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). This data shows how a long term recovery program continues to help those with substance use disorders. An article from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, supports the findings from the HHS. They describe how even after a year or two of remission, the risk of relapse remains above 15 percent for four to five years (Lynsen). Since it can take