The Fight Against Opioid Overdose Epidemic

Prince, Juice WRLD, Mac Miller, Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson were some of our favorite celebrities who had been lost suddenly to drug overdose. Some were just at the beginning of what could have been really successful careers, while others were already at the peak and considered legends in their genres. Irrespective of their ages, gender or race, there was a common problem – drugs (some which were prescribed). And if Society has not been able to prevail in the fight against drug overdose among those considered influential, nothing promising can be expected on the streets either.  ​

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was a slight decline of 4 percent in the number of death due to drug overdose from 2017 and 2018. However, the figure is still 400 percent higher than it was in 1999- of which opioid-involved overdoses accounted for up to one-third of the deaths. In less than two decades, about 450,000 persons have died from opioid overdose. In essence, it is safe to say that we have an epidemic of opioid overdose in our hands, and all efforts to curb the menace appear as though we are only flogging shadows. 

While a lot of measures are being put in place by the relevant authorities, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant spike in the intensity of the opioid crisis. Excess unstructured time, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and stress arising from social isolation are some of the triggering factors. These are asides the hardships of job loss and reduced work hours. Many cannot interact with friends who influence them positively, or even make doctor’s appointments any more. These have influenced a relapse that would end in record high figure by the end of the year.  

Relevant authorities and the government are definitely front row warriors in this fight. There is a need for urgency, re-strategization and doubling up efforts in order to stand a chance. The following measure should be implemented: 

• Improving access to prevention, management, and recovery services, which would be instrumental in reducing the number of annual deaths due to opioid overdose. 
• Opioid “antidotes” should be well-circulated to ensure availability for timely intervention during emergencies.  
• Reduction in the need for prescribing opioids by researching into and introducing less harmful and effective pain management pills and techniques.  
• More studies should be conducted on addiction and addictive behaviors to help professionals to be more successful in practice.  
• Close monitoring of the trends to ascertain how much more work needs to be done and the areas that require attention. 

This opioid epidemic is not just the problem of the CDC or any other relevant agencies; the entire population is expected to play a role in beating it. Here are some ways you may be able to save the life of someone out there: 

Knowing about the ills, signs, and symptoms of opioid abuse so you can identify an addict or know when someone has overdosed;  

• Learn about first aid and what to do to help save someone who might have overdosed; 
• Identify as an advocate and speak freely with your friends and family about addiction; 
• Do not stigmatize, but teach others that an addiction is a biological reaction that an addict cannot help; 
• Reach out to a treatment provider if you suspect that someone has an opioid problem; 
• Sensitize the masses on the opioid abuse and overdose and motivate them to seek help. 

​There is a lot that needs to be done by government, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to get ahead in the fight. We need to review our past methods and set novel targets. There is also a need to consider how to alleviate the new spike due to the COVID-19 pandemic by addressing the causes. The fight will not be won in a day, but would be won someday if we work hard enough.