Since the early 2000s, America has witnessed a steady increase in the use of psychostimulants. But, by 2018, it was opioids that were declared a national public health emergency. There are about 130 people who die per day from opioids.

But first, what is opioid addiction? Opioids are substances found in everything from particular pain medications to illegal drugs like heroin. Essentially, they are narcotics - depressants that are derived from the opium poppy plant. For many, opioid addiction starts with a prescription. Pharmaceutical drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin, codeine, morphine, methadone, and fentanyl all fall into the category of opioids. Yet like many drugs, these prescription users become quickly addicted. Opioid dependence evokes withdrawal symptoms - so, when users stop taking the medication, they feel adverse effects that make it more difficult to stop.

Going from using to addiction never takes very long. Their uncontrollable cravings for the drug often result in drastic effects on relationships, finances, and a stable form of living. When they cannot access their prescription medication anymore, addicts turn to the next available form of opioids: the illegal drug, heroin.

There is also an increasing amount of women who misuse opioids during pregnancy, which leads to infants being born while addicted and going through withdrawal -- known as NAS or neonatal abstinence syndrome.  

Like other addictions, opioid addiction is a treatable disease. Yet the lack of health care and other social stigmas prevent users from seeking the help they need. Thousands of people have lost custody of their children, lost jobs, or have moved to homeless shelters to cope with their addiction.

A behavioral health director at the UC Davis system in California, Dr. Moulin, speaks of the shift to opioids, "In the past, we have been very heavy on stimulants, methamphetamines predominantly with heroin kind of in the background, and that has shifted dramatically towards fentanyl over the past year". In fact, George Floyd, too, was struggling with opioid addiction. Activists are hoping, that along with a racial reckoning, this also highlights the opioid epidemic. Such is the widespread nature of opioid addiction in America. 

Yet experts also speak of the stigma associated with drug use that has prevented many patients from accessing the help they need -- even when their lives are falling apart. Some experts believe that the decriminalization of drugs will enable more people to seek treatment. Dr. Moulin also says, "We have essentially criminalized a disease, which increases stigma. It’s the only medical diagnosis that is a crime.”

In all, there is a lack of awareness of the issue. With the pandemic, many resources have been channeled to other needs that could have been used to solve the opioid problem. Scientists are, however, continuing to work on the predispositions that may cause a person to be vulnerable to addiction. Many medical professionals have moved into prevention counseling due to the restrictions on medications they can prescribe to addicts.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with opioid addiction and need help, please contact the SAMHSA National Helpline, a free & confidential treatment referral and information service (available in English & Spanish): 1-800-662-HELP