If you reside in the United States, there’s a good chance you’ve seen classmates succumb to what is often labeled as opioid addiction. These individuals have tragically become part of the ongoing opioid epidemic.
According to the National Institute of Health’s Institute of Drug Abuse, a staggering 47,600 Americans lost their lives to opioid-related causes in 2017—up from 8,048 in 1999. That’s approximately 130 deaths each day. As the rates of opioid use remain alarmingly high, there’s little reason to believe these figures will decrease anytime soon.
People grappling with what the American Medical Association refers to as “opioid-use disorder” (OUD) face significant social stigma. You might envision a teenager pilfering their mother’s prescription pills or a disheveled man loitering outside a convenience store. Perhaps you picture those with frail bodies and sallow skin, labeling them as junkies or addicts. However, you likely don’t think of someone like Nathaniel Brooks.
Nathaniel, as his cousin Sarah Johnson shares, fell victim to the opioid crisis at just 30 years old. His obituary described his passing as “unexpected.” When the grip of addiction tightened, Nathaniel pleaded with his family, “I’m still the same person I’ve always been.”
For most of his struggle, Nathaniel appeared to be the last person you would associate with opioid use. He was athletic, held a steady job, and looked every bit like a healthy young man. You wouldn’t have suspected him of battling OUD; he believed that hard work would pull him through. Yet, it only took one fateful experience—a single bad decision—before everything spiraled out of control. He hadn’t intended to lose his life that day; he simply went to work like any other morning.
Sadly, discussions surrounding OUD often neglect to highlight individuals like Nathaniel. The stigma attached to opioid use is so pervasive that, as reported by WRVO, a trained Narcan administrator in Syracuse, New York, succumbed to an overdose despite educating countless others on how to prevent such tragedies. His director remarked on the tragic cycle: “Many people may have known he was using again, but he never sought help in the way he should have… People often end up using alone and perish alone… The stigma is overwhelming.”
Tracy Miller also feels the burden of stigma as she shares her daughter Laura’s battle with OUD. According to her accounts, she begins by emphasizing what a dedicated mother she was, actively involved in her daughter’s life. Tracy travels throughout the state, advocating for understanding and compassion for those affected by OUD.
The American Medical Association notes that opioid addiction is often mischaracterized as a moral failing rather than a medical condition. The National Academies of Sciences indicate that over 2 million Americans struggle with OUD, which is a treatable chronic brain disorder stemming from alterations in brain structure and function due to prolonged opioid use.
However, significant obstacles to treatment persist, primarily stemming from societal stigma and the criminal justice system, which often disrupts necessary treatments like methadone. According to the Surgeon General, only 25% of individuals with OUD received treatment last year, and the AMA suggests that this number may be even lower—only 20% actually have access to care. Many also battle coexisting mental health disorders, with few receiving comprehensive treatment.
This is the impact of stigma. When medical professionals use terms like “clean” and “dirty” to describe test results, they reinforce harmful stereotypes. One individual, featured in the American Psychological Association, detailed the discrimination he faced in securing housing and education—even while in recovery. The more stigmatized a person feels, the less likely they are to pursue treatment, leading to a higher risk of overdose.
You may think of users as junkies or addicts, attributing their struggles to poor choices. However, the reality is far more complex. Addiction is deeply rooted in brain chemistry, involving intricate interactions between genetics and neural pathways, often leaving individuals with little choice in the matter. They arrive at a point where they face a profound physiological and psychological need that can only be addressed with professional help and the support of loved ones.
Nathaniel Brooks adored movies, his cousin reminisces. As a child, he would eagerly ask his family, “When are we going to see a movie?” Sadly, as his life came to an end, those outings became a lost opportunity.
This is the true face of OUD: not the stereotypical figure lurking outside a gas station, but the longing for connection and shared experiences—a question that lingers in the air: “When can we go see another movie together?” It’s the societal stigma that keeps that question unanswered.
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Summary
The opioid crisis is often misperceived through the lens of stigma and stereotypes. Individuals like Nathaniel Brooks, who seemed to have it all together, illustrate that addiction can affect anyone. Misunderstandings about opioid-use disorder contribute to significant barriers in treatment and recovery. It’s crucial to challenge societal perceptions and foster compassion for those affected by this chronic brain disease.
Keyphrase: Opioid Crisis
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