Treatment for opioid addiction often brings discrimination

Letter to the Editor on "Treatment for opioid addiction often brings discrimination," by Geoff Mulvihill and Claudia Lauer https://norwalkreflector.com/news/380529/treatment-for-opioid-addiction-often-brings-discrimination/ In 2015, Ohio was considered to be "ground zero," for the opioid epidemic that began in 2015. With that title came negative opinions addressed to those who were prescribed and use opioids. Media coverage and public health campaigns on the opioid epidemic would often rely on fear tactics to dissuade people from using opioids. These tactics, however, further enhanced the public's negative opinions towards those who use opioids creating stigmas that have led to discrimination and social isolation. Opioid abuse is not just a "lifestyle choice" or a "problem." It is defined a medical disorder (opioid use disorder) by the American Psychiatric Association. Opioid use disorder is similar to many other substance abuse disorders where the user forms a physical dependance on the opioids in as little as four weeks and the withdraw symptoms can pain, chills, cramps, diarrhea, dilated pupils, restlessness, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and very intense cravings. The positive feelings that the opioids give the user coupled with the intense withdraw symptoms make it difficult for anyone to stop using opioids despite the user wanting to. Stigmas can further deter people with opioid use disorders from receiving treatment. The stigmas that people associate with people who have opioid use disorders are dangerousness and moral failings. People might associate those who use opioids with drug dealers and gangs and/or that they "did this to themselves" and deserve the consequences of their actions. When health care workers have this stigma, people with opioid use disorders receive decreased quality and access to treatment and harm reduction services which then decreases the likelihood that they will stop using opioids. Stigmas are also problematic because when people with opioid use disorders anticipate stigma attached to their illness, they may avoid seeking care altogether leading to worsening of their disorder and health. Ultimately, these stigmas reduce the health of those who are seeking treatment. Those who have opioid use disorders are not as uncommon or rare as people may think. A survey from the American Psychiatric Association found that 1/3 of those surveyed knew someone who had an opioid use disorder. They can be the star player for the high school football team who is trying to find relief after a career ending injury or the grandparent who after having surgery is trying to find relief from the loneliness they feel after being away from family. The pandemic has increased those trying to find relief as deaths from overdose increased by 30% in 2020. Chances are that opioid use disorders might hit home closer than you think. With the new guidelines that the U.S. Department of Justice has recently published, it is time that our community takes the steps to end stigmas surrounding those who are treating opioid use disorders. Businesses and health care facilities cannot end the stigmas on their own. It takes initiative from the community to make the change and to make Norwalk a safe and welcoming community for everyone. Paige Wnek Milan Editor's note: Paige Wnek is a master's student at George Washington University.