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- Title
Opioid Crisis: No Easy Fix to Its Social and Economic Determinants.
- Authors
Dasgupta, Nabarun; Beletsky, Leo; Ciccarone, Daniel
- Abstract
The accepted wisdom about the US overdose crisis singles out prescribing as the causative vector. Although drug supply is a key factor, we posit that the crisis is fundamentally fueled by economic and social upheaval, its etiology closely linked to the role of opioids as a refuge from physical and psychological trauma, concentrated disadvantage, isolation, and hopelessness. Overreliance on opioid medications is emblematic of a health care system that incentivizes quick, simplistic answers to complex physical and mental health needs. In an analogous way, simplistic measures to cut access to opioids offer illusory solutions to this multidimensional societal challenge. We trace the crisis’ trajectory through the intertwined use of opioid analgesics, heroin, and fentanyl analogs, and we urge engaging the structural determinants lens to address this formidable public health emergency. Abroad focus on suffering should guide both patient- and community-level interventions.
- Subjects
UNITED States; OPIOID abuse; DRUG overdose; DRUG supply &; demand; CRISES; OPIOIDS; DRUG therapy; SOCIAL isolation; DRUG abuse; DESPAIR; ECONOMICS; PREVENTION; MEDICAL care; HEALTH &; social status; ANALGESICS; FENTANYL; HEROIN; NARCOTICS; PUBLIC health; SELF medication
- Publication
American Journal of Public Health, 2018, Vol 108, Issue 2, p182
- ISSN
0090-0036
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2105/AJPH.2017.304187