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There are many different types of poison, ranging from alcohol to cyanide, but there is one that is particularly prominent: Opioids. About 165 years ago in 1860, opium was brought to America to treat wounds, but it started a dangerous drug development engraved into American culture. Why, after 165 years, is this use still prevalent and addiction still an issue?
The Opium Crisis has not been solved for a number of reasons. First, the “War on Drugs” did not work; in fact, it made things worse.
In a timeline made by NPR, in October of 1986, “(President Ronald) Reagan (signed) the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, which appropriat[ed] $1.7 billion to fight the drug war. The bill also creat[ed] mandatory minimum penalties for drug offenses…”
The bill did not accomplish much, considering it still allowed drugs to exist and only gave minimum penalties to those who abused them. Unlike Prohibition in the 1920s, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act didn’t prohibit the use, possession or sale of drugs, leading to an increase in crime during this time.
It is not just history that plays a part here. The continued supply of opium into the U.S. is most prominent in financially unstable communities, which causes significant stigma around individuals. According to an opinion paper done by Frontiers Psychiatry, stigmatized individuals are less willing to seek treatment because of societal views, stating, “they may have to deal with associated fear, anger, isolation, trauma, or comorbid mental health disorders.”
As the stigma toward users is explainable, the reason for use can be linked back to stress
Alcohol, cocaine, and many other drugs trick your brain into releasing dopamine, which relaxes the body, relieves stress, and provides a boost of energy. If many users do drugs because of stress, it should signal to the government that either labor is too demanding or the cost of living is too high.
Despite many efforts, there have been inadequate actions to stop the flow of opium in our communities. The regulatory side of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has failed many times, as stated by Dr. Andrew Koldny’s article, “FDA policies for approving and labeling opioids remain largely unchanged.”
Although opioids are found in medication that relieve pain, like morphine, many prescription drugs can prove to be extremely dangerous. Approving opioid use is a risk, and it is a risk that people should not have to take. People need to be informed of the risks and alternatives need to be made available.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
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