Substance abuse has become a major epidemic in our country and there is a dire need for immediate intervention. 20 million Americans suffer from a substance use disorder and hundreds pass away in silence each day (Addiction is a Chronic Illness, Not Character Flaw, 2016). The negative stigma behind drug addiction causes many addicts to deter from seeking help and treatment for fear of being judged for their disorder. The distinction of substance abuse from other medical issues also makes it difficult for addicts to take steps towards treatment as they would for a physical health problem. Moreover, the lack of treatment space for substance abusers further complicates the strive towards reducing drug addiction mortality rates. Also, the fact
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Karen Mechanic, from the Narcotic Addict Rehab Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, explains, “‘People can feel confident that the stigma of substance use may be changing. People can actually get help without feeling concerned that people may know they have a substance use disorder’” (Philadelphia Addiction Professionals React to the Surgeon General’s Report, 2016). If drug addictions are placed on a level playing field with other medical issues, addicts can feel less ashamed about their condition and take action to seek help as they would for any other health problem. Bridging the gap between substance abuse and other medical afflictions, and thus lowering stigma, are positive steps towards potentially lowering drug-related mortality rates. Thus, it is quite problematic that Trump and the primarily Republican Congress are seeking to change the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which deems treatment for substance abuse an equal health benefit to other medical treatments. It is important that everyone understands the severity of drug addiction and the importance of treatment. A big first step towards achieving this end is the need for the rest of our nation to promote awareness by thinking and talking about addiction as a “chronic illness,” rather than a “moral failing” (Addiction is a Chronic Illness, Not Character Flaw, …show more content…
Let me first preface this problem by asking: How does one expect to treat drug addictions if there are not enough “literal spaces” to do so? Aside from changing the way that we view substance abuse, this lack of treatment space is a crucial issue that must be solved before almost any true change can be made for the better. If we are going to lower the stigma behind drug addiction and promote treatment for addicts, we cannot do so by essentially lying to them that treatment is available when, in fact, space is lacking. There are too many addicts out in the world and if we want to decrease the rapidly increasing death rates among them, now is the time to expand treatment space. Moreover, though, it is equally important that insurance funds and covers treatment costs. Not all addicts can afford such expensive care, and some may even be addicted to such drugs to help cope with their distraught, economic condition. It is unfair to discriminate against substance abusers on the basis of socioeconomic status. I believe that everyone should be able to have equal access to treatment care, and thus I deem it crucial that steps be made so that insurance covers the treatment expenses like it does other medical expenses. We are working towards equalizing
Karen Mechanic, from the Narcotic Addict Rehab Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, explains, “‘People can feel confident that the stigma of substance use may be changing. People can actually get help without feeling concerned that people may know they have a substance use disorder’” (Philadelphia Addiction Professionals React to the Surgeon General’s Report, 2016). If drug addictions are placed on a level playing field with other medical issues, addicts can feel less ashamed about their condition and take action to seek help as they would for any other health problem. Bridging the gap between substance abuse and other medical afflictions, and thus lowering stigma, are positive steps towards potentially lowering drug-related mortality rates. Thus, it is quite problematic that Trump and the primarily Republican Congress are seeking to change the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which deems treatment for substance abuse an equal health benefit to other medical treatments. It is important that everyone understands the severity of drug addiction and the importance of treatment. A big first step towards achieving this end is the need for the rest of our nation to promote awareness by thinking and talking about addiction as a “chronic illness,” rather than a “moral failing” (Addiction is a Chronic Illness, Not Character Flaw, …show more content…
Let me first preface this problem by asking: How does one expect to treat drug addictions if there are not enough “literal spaces” to do so? Aside from changing the way that we view substance abuse, this lack of treatment space is a crucial issue that must be solved before almost any true change can be made for the better. If we are going to lower the stigma behind drug addiction and promote treatment for addicts, we cannot do so by essentially lying to them that treatment is available when, in fact, space is lacking. There are too many addicts out in the world and if we want to decrease the rapidly increasing death rates among them, now is the time to expand treatment space. Moreover, though, it is equally important that insurance funds and covers treatment costs. Not all addicts can afford such expensive care, and some may even be addicted to such drugs to help cope with their distraught, economic condition. It is unfair to discriminate against substance abusers on the basis of socioeconomic status. I believe that everyone should be able to have equal access to treatment care, and thus I deem it crucial that steps be made so that insurance covers the treatment expenses like it does other medical expenses. We are working towards equalizing