SOLVING THE COMPLEX PUZZLE [EPIDEMIC] OF ADDICTION REQUIRES MORE THAN A PERCIS ALIGNMENT OF THE PIECES; IT REQUIRES PEOPLE TO PHYSICALLY PUT THE PUZZLE TOGETHER — TO TAKE ACTION AND REALIZE THE FINAL PRODUCT DOESN’T PRODUCE ITSELF ON ITS OWN. IF THE U.S. AIMS TO CONTROL THE EPIDEMIC THAN THE PUZZLE MUST BE SOLVED. IT IS NECESSARY THAT WE TRANSFORM THE THOUSANDS OF UNORGANIZED PIECES AND COMPLETE THE PUZZLE THAT’S BEEN IGNORED FOR TOO LONG.

MY RESEARCH QUESTION:

What steps need to be taken to reform the general healthcare system and move toward a more effective public health-model?

How can the U.S.be successful at integrating accessible, affordable, and effective [addiction] treatment programs into our mainstream medical system?

INTRODUCTION

In 2013, an estimated 22.7 million Americans (8.6%) needed treatment for a problem related to substance abuse, but only about 2.5 million people (0.9%) received treatment(drugabuse.gov). The stark difference between the number of Americans suffering from addiction verses the number of those receiving treatment served as the motivation for this research. This paper looks into the relationship between addiction and recovery in the United States with the purpose of identifying the root of the large treatment gap the U.S. faces. Looking into what contributes to the lack of addiction treatment in our society did more than revile the sources; it also unveiled possible solutions. Focusing the inquiry on the treatment gap in the U.S. mainstream healthcare system provided insight into what causes the problem and offered a new understanding of the steps that can be taken to enforce a solution. It is necessary for the United States to reform the system and make the road to recovery a route accessible to all.

Taking steps to solve the problem won’t be easy, but it’s possible. The puzzle of addiction is one we’ve ignored to solve for far too long. It’s time to put the unassembled pieces together and reduce the impact of addiction on individuals, their communities, and our overall nation. It’s time to create a healthcare system inclusive to those suffering from both ailments of the body and illnesses of the mind.

“But an epidemic is like a fire,” says Dr. Don Francis, an American epidemiologist, “The earlier you get there, before the flames are rampant, the better off you will do. That is especially true of long incubation diseases where the smoldering and spread has occurred a lot more than you realize when you see the smoke — so the inability to recognize the responsibility that the government has for public health, sets up a lack of response at the government level.”

For years and years, the United States has turned a blind eye to the addiction epidemic. Our country has failed to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation, and as a result, the general public has failed to take action and address the current epidemic at hand. Drug and alcohol abuse are on the rise in the United States. Over 23.5 million Americans, a number roughly equal to the population of Texas, are addicted to mood or mind altering substances, yet little to no steps have been taken to conquer the crisis. “Americans are dying due to drug abuse more frequently than ever before, in part because only 1 in 10 people with a substance abuse problem receives the help they need — indicating people with drug and alcohol issues are not seeking or receiving the treatment they require.”

It is necessary that the United States, and it’s people, take action; They must move forward toward a more effective public health-model — one equipped to address the current crisis were facing. The powerful problem(s) associated with addiction have impacted most American’s lives in one way or another. We must take action and play a part in creating a solution to the epidemic that’s gotten far out of hand.

In order to conquer the deadly beast of addiction; the U.S. must take steps to reform the current mainstream medical system:

1. We need a cultural shift in how we think about addiction.
2. We must END the separation between substance use treatment and General Health Care
3. We must adapt and enforce more policies and programs that increase access to proven addiction treatment modalities — making them available to the whole public rather than just a small percent.

STEP#1:We need a cultural shift in how we think about addiction.

For far too long, too many people have viewed addiction as a moral failing rather than a chronic illness — A disease that we must approach with the same care and compassion with which we approach heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Unfortunately, the stigmas and misconceptions surrounding substance abuse have created an added burden of shame. Many of the societal beliefs serve as barriers that make people with substance use disorders less likely to come forward and seek treatment.

Addiction impacts EVERY SEGMENT of American society, many people neglect to recognize addiction as a disease and in turn, they believe the stigmatized stereotypes surrounding addicts in our society. They fail to understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs, and as a result; Many people mistakenly think that those dependent on drugs lack self-discipline or moral principles — they think an addict could simply stop their drug use by ‘choosing to.’

In order for the United States to combat the current epidemic, it is PRESSING for efforts to be made to close America’s addiction treatment gap. This will not only require the implementation of an addiction treatment benefit as part of the healthcare reform; it will also REQUIRE that we de-stigmatize addiction within our society.

STEP #2: Separation of Substance Use Treatment and General Health Care

Until quite recently, substance misuse problems and substance use disorders were viewed as social problems. They’ve been perceived as behavioral problems best managed at the individual level, and in certain circumstances, through the criminal justice system. Overtime, as the rates of addiction increased, a separation began to form in the addiction treatment options/facilities available. Many rehabs or inpatient programs became privately owned rather than run through the public sector. Despite the pressing need for treatment; the existing system was unprepared and unmotivated to help patients suffering from substance abuse, and for these reasons, a new system emerged. An excerpt taken from The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health, states, “A new system of substance use disorder treatment programs was created, but with administration, regulation, and financing placed outside mainstream health care.This meant that with the exception of detoxification in hospital-based settings, virtually all treatment was delivered by programs that were geographically, financially, culturally, and organizationally separate from mainstream health care.”

Although the creation of a new system helped many to recover but it also perpetuated the separation between private and public treatment facilities; As a result, separate systems for both substance use disorder and other healthcare needs were formed. Lesser range and quality variety of care too…This divide not only increased the negative mentalities and societal stigmas surrounding the disease; it also left many in need of treatment option-less because the facilities were only able to serve a small percent of the population suffering. The private programs don’t have the capacity or means to treat the number of people in our population suffering.

It is necessary that the separation is ended and the two become one. This will not only provide more options to the option-less; It will also increase the quality and range of care available and accessible to those in need. Although some efforts have been made to incorporate mental illnesses and substance use treatment into the mainstream healthcare system, there is still much more to be done. Without a demand for change it won’t be possible to conquer to crisis and end the current serration.

STEP #3: We must adapt and enforce more policies and programs that increase access to proven addiction treatment modalities

In the past few years, some efforts have been made to decrease the addiction treatment gap in the U.S. . For example, The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted by Obama in 2008, put in place a comprehensive health reform in an effort to make health insurance more accessible, affordable, and available to more people. It was created with the hope it would serve to lower health care costs, broaden health care choices, increase treatment efficency, and enhance the overall quality of care for Americans.

In the article “Substance Abuse and the Affordable Care Act” from the White House online archive makes a very convincing argument, stating, “The ACA includes substance use disorders as one of the ten elements of essential health benefit. By including these benefits in health insurance packages, more health care providers can offer and be reimbursed for these services, resulting in more individuals having access to treatment. The specific substance abuse services that will be covered are currently being determined by the Department of Health and Human Services, and will take into account evidence on what services allow individuals to get the treatment they need and help them with recovery.”

The Afordable Care Act was a step in the right direction, however more efforts need to be made to reduce the treatment gaps and reform the current healthcare system. By taking steps toward an efficient and accessible healthcare system, the option-less will finally have a road to recovery— they can choose to get treatment and change the direction of their lives. It is not fair that many who are suffering want to change but can’t. They want to recover from their addiction but they’re unable to get help becuase of their inibility to qualify for quality care.

Works Cited

Facing Addiction in America: the Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health.Washington, D.C. : U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, 2016.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. “National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).” NIDA,www.drugabuse.gov/.

“NIAAA Publications.” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, U.S. Departmentof Health and Human Services, pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh283/163–174.htm.

Saloner, B., & Lê Cook, B. (2013). Blacks and hispanics are less likely than whites tocomplete addiction treatment, largely due to socioeconomic factors. Health Affairs (Project Hope),

“Substance Abuse and the Affordable Care Act.” National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration,obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/ondcp/healthcare.

“Rehab racket: Frauds, felons and fakes.” CNN Wire, 30 July 2013. Opposing Viewpoints Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A338143052/OVIC?u=sfsu_main&sid=OVIC&xid=a7994a10. Accessed 9 May 2019.

CONCLUSION

As mentioned repeadidly throughout the paper, the final product doesn't just appear on its own. people may have an image in their minds. A fantasy of how they want to world to be or the system to function. They will be waiting for intercity for the puzzle to perfect the picture on its on. The ‘dream’ or puzzle only comes to life when someone physically makes it; Putting each piece together precisely in place to ensure the picture come out the way they planned.

FRONT:

BACK:

RESEARCH TOPIC/CLAIM:

IT IS NECESSARY FOR PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND ADDICTION BEFORE WE CAN COMBAT THE CURRENT CRISIS. EFFORTS TO REFORM OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF TREATMENT REQUIRES FOR CITIZENS TO RECOGNIZE ADDICTION AS A CHRONIC DISEASE THAT’S GONE UNTREATED FOR FAR TOO LONG. SUPPORT FROM THE PEOPLE IS NECESSARY FOR CHANGE TO BE MADE AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL AND PROVIDE TREATMENT AVAILABLE FOR THE 89 PERCENT OF THOSE WITH AN ADDICTION THAT CANNOT ACCESS TREATMENT.

In order to combat the current epidemic, it is PRESSING for efforts to be made to close America’s addiction treatment gap. This not only requires the implementation of an addiction treatment benefit as part of the healthcare reform; it also is REQUIRES that we de-stigmatize addiction within our society.

WHAT LEAD YOU TO CONDUCT THE SURVEY?

*BACKGROUND INFORMATION*

“Drug use is on the rise in this country and 23.5 million Americans are addicted to alcohol and drugs. That’s approximately one in every 10 Americans over the age of 12 — roughly equal to the entire population of Texas. But only 11 percent of those with an addiction receive treatment. It is staggering and unacceptable that so many Americans are living with an untreated chronic disease and cannot access treatment,” said Dr. Kima Joy Taylor, director of the Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap (CATG) Initiative. Taylor goes on to say, “Our society and our health care system have been slow to recognize and respond to addiction as a chronic, but treatable, condition. While change doesn’t happen overnight, if health care reform is implemented properly, millions of Americans will finally have insurance coverage for addiction treatment. This is an historic step toward a comprehensive, integrated approach to health care that includes treatment of addiction.”

Addiction impacts EVERY SEGMENT of American society, many people fail to recognize addiction as a disease and in turn, they believe the stigmatized stereotypes surrounding addicts in our society. They fail to understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs, and as a result; Many people mistakenly think that those dependent on drugs lack self-discipline or moral principles — they think an addict could simply stop their drug use by ‘choosing to.’

In reality, its much more complex than that. The disease of addiction is complex and multi-layered. ‘Quitting’ or treating the disease takes much more than adapting a strong-will and simply, stopping. Treating the disease of addiction requires a lifelong commitment to recovery — to living a life free of mood and mind-altering substances.Thankfully, scientific research has made advancements and researchers now know more than ever about the science behind addiction and how drugs affect the brain. They’ve also found new treatments to help people begin their recovery and live a life sober from substance abuse. With that being said, our society and our mainstream medical system have continued to make little progress in recognizing addiction as a chronic disease that has gone untreated for way to long.

PURPOSE & AIM OF SURVEY

To further expand my knowledge of addiction in our society and the current epidemic taking place, I wanted to find out just how much SFSU’s undergraduate population knew about the topic.

I conducted a survey with the goal of receiving responses from all age groups and education levels within the general SFSU undergraduate undergraduate student population. The survey consisted of 11-questions created with the purpose of analyzing whether or not the general public recognizes the need for more addiction treatment in our healthcare system. The questions were formatted in a way to gain insight on the student’s opinions toward the current epidemic as well as gage their understanding of addiction. The aim of my research was to analyze the results from the thirty-three student participants (from the course HED 290) and observe any correlations or connections between the survey’s findings and my research claim.

I created the survey with an intention of gathering information from a non-scholarly source. Through the questions, I aimed to gain a deeper understanding of my topic and use the perspectives of my peers to view my topic from a whole new viewpoint— to see from it with a completely different set of eyes. The student’s opinions served as those eyes. As I began to look into them, I saw much more than just valuable information relevant to my research; It was as if the eyes were lenses of insight — enabling me to see connections I was blind to before.

Although the credible & scholarly sources readily available are packed with information; I believe the value and knowledge in obtaining a public opinion is even greater. It’s as if the participants’ opinions have served as a catalyst for new insights, connections, and questions to form.

As I continued ‘down the rabbit hole’ of inquiry, a new depth began to emerge in my research. Having multi-dimensional opinions and perspectives has helped me to deepen my understanding as I interpret the survey’s findings and analyze their relevance to my research topic. The results of the survey both confirmed and challenged the assumptions I had made prior to conducting the survey. I had hoped the survey would serve as a tool to ascertain public opinion regarding my research topic (and it did). But it also served as a tool for insight — allowing me to further my connections and form questions I would’ve never thought of prior.

Before the survey, my primary focus was on the lack of addiction treatment provided by our healthcare system as well as it’s[lack of treatment] relationship to the misbeliefs and stigmas that surround addiction. Although I still am interested in the correlation between the two; The survey offered me a new insight of UNDERGRADUATE students and their EXPERIENCES with addiction and substance abuse — Along with that, new questions and curiosities have emerged.

RESULTS OF RESEARCH & DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS:

The results of the survey both confirmed and challenged the assumptions I had made prior to conducting the survey.The questions served as a tool to gage the participants knowledge, experience, and understanding, of addiction as well as access their opinions regarding the current epidemic. It is one of our country’s greatest healthcare crisis yet; but the results show over half the participants have little knowledge on addiction and the current crisis. My findings confirm my previous claim that many people are mis/uninformed or uneducated on the disease[Figure 2]. Those who are informed, are ashamed as a result of the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding addiction & addiction treatment.

For example, 20 out of the 33 students responded to Question #2 saying that addiction has had a significant impact on their lives. I found this interesting because many have had personal experience with addiction but many selected they have a basic-little-no understanding of the disease itself. It’s as if the stigmatized beliefs make many so ashamed and guilty that they begin to believe the stigmas too.

“It’s as if the stigmatized beliefs make many so ashamed and guilty that they begin to believe the stigmas too.”

This idea made me wonder how many people are too scared away by the stigmas that they never receive the help they need? Sixty-seven percent of the participants agreed that a strong stigma exists around addiction and nineteen of the students (58%) said that they’re ashamed to talk about their family member’s addiction (or their own addiction) as a result of the societal attitudes. These findings back up my claim even more. Many Americans are misinformed and see an addict as the ‘stereotype’ society tends to portray.

The severeness in the stigmas and the surrounding societal mentalities cause many to deny or feel ashamed of the idea that they may suffer from the disease[addiction] too. They quickly jump to the conclusion that they’re not an addict because they don't fit the ‘mold.’ Before I was exposed to the disease, I believed the stigmas too. I thought an addict had to be on the extreme side; homeless, ratty clothes, unshowered, and lacking any and all willpower. And yes, addiction can take that form, but it can also be hidden behind your “everyday” face. Whether it’s a college student, working mom, or a teacher, anyone can have the disorder. Many participants explained that they wish the stigmatized mentalities would change. Around twenty-five of the students (74%) answered YES to Question #9; agreeing that they feel attitudes must change for change to occur.

CONCLUSIONS:

Throughout the semester, I’ve aimed to organized my research and writing around the original thesis[research question] I proposed in the beginning of the semester. I chose to research addiction and recovery in our society because it isn’t talked about enough — and if it is, it’s usually in a negative context. I always thought an addict had to fit the stigmatized mold. And yes, addiction can take on that form, however, it is an invisible disease that does not discriminate. Hidden behind your “everyday” face; The fact that 1 out of 5 people struggle with addiction speaks to my point that we need to normalize the conversations around addiction as well as de-stigmatize the societal mentalities that prevent many from getting the help they need. In order to provide more options for treatment and recovery in the mainstream medical system, it is necessary for us to challenge this prominent misconception in our society — Then we may be to begin the battle and combat what has become one of our greatest healthcare crisis yet.

As I stated earlier,

“Before the survey, my primary focus was on the lack of addiction treatment provided by our healthcare system as well as it’s[lack of treatment] relationship to the misbeliefs and stigmas that surround addiction. Although I still am interested in the correlation between the two; The survey offered me a new insight of UNDERGRADUATE students and their EXPERIENCES with addiction and substance abuse — Along with that, new questions and curiosities have emerged.”

Now that I’ve analyzed my findings and formed this ‘deeper understanding’; I want to research further — looking in to the current insights and ideas emerging. I desire to go further down the rabbit hole to look into MY GENERATIONS experience with addiction. In an economy where pleasure is all that’s profitable; our capitalistic country has molded our minds to seek and desire these ‘stimulants of pleasure.’ Nowadays, there are more and more ‘pleasure- oriented’ things than ever before; Whether its alcohol or substances[drugs], restaurants and food, socializing with friends, technology (T.V., internet, social media, phones, etc.); they are all physical or mental activities that stimulate the pleasure-filled chemicals in our brains. When that pleasure is gone, WE WANT MORE. The craving for the substance only grows. It continues to get stronger as we continue to feed the growing discontentment; As we continue to live in a constant state of desire — overcome by this “seeking” mentality.

I’m curious to look into the effect of our capitalistic, materialistic, pleasure-filled society to (not only further my understanding of addiction in our society), but also research whether or not our economy plays a role in the recent rise in addiction rates. It’s a fact that the industry has manipulated our minds into ‘pleasure seeking’ prophecies.

“Our pursuit of happiness is being subverted by a culture of addiction and depression from which we may never recover.”

“I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom.”
― Edgar Allan Poe

In November of 1848, the last year of his life, Edgar Allan Poe, an American author and poet, wrote a letter containing the passage above. Although the disease of addiction had yet to be discovered at the time, the symptoms, characteristics, and attitudes that the disease takes on were present in lives of those living. It was long ago, and people just like Poe suffered from the need to escape. The overwhelming urge to avoid the indescribable sense of loneliness and unease that never leaves — like shadows in the night, the feelings are disguised. Addiction is like the darkness that blankets those shadows — Camouflaging itself in feelings of sadness, isolation, desperation, anger, self-hatred, etc. Poe’s words embody the emotional discomfort and distress that accompany the chronic illness. An illness that presents itself through an indescribable void; a discontentment and unease that follows the addict through their highest of highs and lowest of lows. Poe’s words can be seen as a precedent from the past serving as proof for the present.

Centuries have past, but the problem has not. The problem that may have killed Poe, as well as others from long ago, is still a problem today — a serious issue we can NOT dismay. Thanks to scientific advancements in technology, researchers were able to study the brain in greater detail, gathering more evidence to back up the claim that addiction has been scientifically proven to be a chronic mental disease. Poe, and the others from long ago, didn’t have the knowledge and information to understand what they were suffering from. Now that we’ve discovered the disease, it’s time we take action.

SUMMARY OF SOURCE…

In the NPR podcast, “Treating Addiction as A Chronic Disease,” Thomas McLellan, researcher and co-founder of the Treatment Research Institute, explains how addiction is viewed in our society and how that view has shaped the treatment system we have today. Throughout the interview, McLellan provides suggestions on how to improve the system and make it more suitable for those suffering. He begins by addressing recent scientific advancements that have allowed researchers to observe the ways in which addiction effects the brain. As a result, scientists discovered that addiction — which has long been perceived as a moral failing — is actually a disease. McLellan explains that this new information enabled us to make a shift in our perceptions around addiction, as well as a shift in the ways in which society is organized to treat it.

McLellan acknowledges that recent discoveries classify addiction as problem for the mainstream medical system to solve. The emergence of new information challenges the prior belief that addiction is a criminal justice issue. Since these scientific findings are relatively new, McLellan discusses that it will take time for the transition to occur, but he addresses that changes have been made to move us in the right direction, such as the Affordable Care Act of 2008. To conclude the interview, McLellan acknowledges his trust in the transition; addressing that it if we can continue to move forward — If we continue to challenge the stigmas, work towards educating the population and healthcare providers themselves, as well as provide more accessible treatment options (available to all); we can begin to conquer the complex disease of addiction. Slowly but surely, we peel one layer at a time.

DEEPENING MY ANALYSIS…

I USED TO THINK THE LACK OF ADDICTION TREATMENT PROVIDED BY THE MAINSTREAM MEDICAL SYSTEM WAS DO TO AN ABSENCE OF EMPATHY, BUT SINCE LISTENING TO THE NPR PODCAST “TREATING ADDICTION AS A CHRONIC DISEASE” I’VE COME TO UNDERSTAND HOW MANY LAYERS THERE ARE TO IT.

NOT ONLY DOES SOCIETY NEED TO CHALLENGING THE SOCIAL STIGMAS AROUND ADDICTION; IT ALSO MUST IMPROVE UPON THE WAYS IN WHICH IT’S TREATED, AS WELL AS THE AVAILABILITY OF THAT TREATMENT.

PEELING THE MULTI-LAYERED ONION:

AS A RESULT OF MY ANALYSIS, I CAME TO SEE THAT CONQUERING THE COMPLEX DISEASE OF ADDICTION WILL NOT ONLY REQUIRE CHALLENGING THE MISCONCEPTIONS AROUND ADDICTION; IT WILL ALSO REQUIRE A DEDICATION TO SOLVING THE MULTI-LAYERED PROBLEM THAT RIDDLES OUR SOCIETY

Conquering the addiction epidemic is like peeling onion. Layer by layer we peel, working our way to the root. We must deal with each step, not skipping any as it is necessary to have all the parts for a machine to work. In order to get ahead of the epidemic and treat those who are suffering, we must put the proper plan in place. Taking ALL the steps needed to provide the means necessary to beat the beast that’s taken the beauty out of so many lives. It is a process, but slowly and surely, we can get too the root, and recreate the layers around it.

Listening to the podcast, “Treating Addiction As A Chronic Disease” opened my eyes to the complexity of the problem at hand. There was a time that I blamed the stigmas around addiction for the lack of treatment options in our healthcare system. I thought it was do to the lack of empathy towards addicts and the misconceptions around the disease. Although the social stigmas play a huge part, there is much more to it.

In order to transition away from traditional treatment options towards more mainstream accessible treatment we must:

CHALLENGE THE MISCONCEPTIONS:

The stigmas surrounding the addiction epidemic play a huge role in perpetuating the problem as well as preventing a possible solution. Old beliefs have been broken, yet people continue to struggle to adapt the truth. Throughout the podcast, McLellan addresses the relationship between how addiction is viewed in our society and how that view has shaped the treatment system we have today; Explaining how in the past, misconceptions and skewed ideas of addiction were much more valid and believable do to the lack of research regarding substance abuse. McLellan states, “If you didn’t have brain science, which has just really emerged in the last two or three decades, and all you had to look at was the behavior of addicted people. They are not pleasant people when they are in full addiction — they steal, they lie, they swear. It’s quite easy to think of this as it has been thought of in the past, as a character disorder, as poor upbringing as a problem of parenting.” Viewed as a moral failing — a behavioral problem or defect in character. lost so ashamed that they wouldn’t even acknowledge it as a cause of death.

IMPROVE TREATMENT OPTIONS & THE QUALITY OF CARE:

“You may say that expanding insurance options, providing more and better care for addicts is a waste of money, or it’s a gift to someone who doesn’t deserve it.” Improving the diagnosis & treatment options available would not only help to treat more suffering addicts; the transition would also benefit the healthcare system and insurance companies too.

For so long, doctors have misdiagnosed their patients, costing the field over $200 billion a year in inappropriate and unnecessary medical care. McLellan elaborates on this point, saying, “The real gift is for the rest of health care because it is impossible to manage most chronic illnesses without some attention to substance use disorders. They’ve been willfully ignored by medicine for decades and it’s costing them.” Not only will providing better care allow for more addicts to receive help; the attention brought to treatment options and addiction will also help to ‘normalize’ the disease and break down some stereotypical stigmas that keep systematic progress stagnant. Many addicts are continuing to suffer do to the lack of resources/help provided by our government and it’s programs

Addiction is a disease that has to be treated over the long haul. There’s no ‘quick fix’ — instead, one has to make a lifelong commitment to recovery. Like McLellan mentions in the podcast, this commitment to treatment makes it a tough sell on two sides. No#1, its not easy for those suffering from addiction to hear there’s no cure. To hear that there is no place to go that gives you 30 days of treatment and sends you off ‘fixed’. At the same time that it’s tough on the addict; No#2, the situation has often posed a challenge for the medical field too. Most doctors have never learned about addiction in medical school, nor are they trained to treat and diagnose the disease. The medical field’s unfamiliarity with the disease is beginning to show some consequences.

The numbers of those battling addiction is at an all time high. “About 5.1 million young adults age 18 to 25 faced a substance use disorder in 2017, which equates to 14.8% of this population and about 1 in 7 people.” Overdose rates are higher than ever before and the numbers keep going up. It is the perfect time to create change. The perfect environment to reconstruct the fundamentals, break down the misconceptions, and change the order of things. Both the addict and the system will benefit. By committing to treatment and providing treatment plans, the two can work together in an effort to combat the complex disease. As the healthcare system familiarizes itself with addiction and does more to help addicts stay sober, there resources will be needed less. What I mean by this is that the transition to better treatment will result in much less money being spent on inappropriate care, and much more success getting addicts the help they deserve. No longer will money be wasted on unnecessary treatments; instead, the system’s time and energy can go to helping concat this complex epidemic while simultaneously, saving themselves the time and energy they once misplaced on treating the ‘untreatable,’ invisible, disease of addiction. It’s economically sensible to make the change.

MAKE TREATMENT MORE ACCESSIBLE:

IT IS AN EPIDEMIC THAT KILLS IN THE THOUSANDS. IT’S AS IF THE DISEASE IS A CURSE, OR A PLAGUE — IT HAS NO MERCY AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE. IN ORDER FOR SOCIETY TO BEGIN AN ATTACK UPON THE EPIDEMIC, WE MUST TAKE THE FIRST STEP TO START THE FIGHT. WE MUST PEEL THE FIRST LAYER, SLOWLY…FIRST, THE SYSTEM MUST REFORM ITS INSTITUTIONS TO ACCOMMODATE AND PROVIDE TO ALL. IT IS PRESSING THAT WE MAKE TREATMENT MORE ACCESSIBLE

McLellan claims, “And one thing I’ve found is that in health care, you don’t get the kind of health care that science dictates or that is even economically prudent. You get the health care that you negotiate and that is politically motivated,” explaining how there has been, “no groundswell demanding the kind of care that other illnesses have rightfully come to expect.” By addressing the lack of political will and its correlation to the absence of addiction treatment in the mainstream medical system, McLellan provides the listener with insight as to how the two are related. Political will can be defined as the choice of going ahead, OR not going ahead towards a supposedly “good” decision in the face of displeasure of voters/allies, which can cause political risks for the government. The lack of political will and desire to reform our healthcare system’s structure are two barriers that stand in the way of a transition towards more treatment.

With that being said, The Affordable Care Act of 2008 was a progressive step in the right direction. The statue, which mandates that the same kinds of care available for illnesses of the body are also available for illnesses of the mind, was a decision that provided means to those without. The inclusive support the act provided gave many citizens hope for a new, more compassionate government. Although little changes have been made, my hope for the future remains.

CONCLUSION

I’m certain that if we continue to peel the onion, layer by layer, with patience, focus, and optimism, we will continue to make headway. We will be guided through each step, through each layer, and will continue until we reach the root. Reflecting on the progress, we’ll see how the problems will be solved in the process.Our final step in conquering the complex epidemic — solving the root of the problem. If the layers have been peeled and properly placed, than the onion has been reformed and reorganized. The epidemic has been taken apart and reworked. Reworked in a way that rearranges the power. Rearranges the dynamic of an epidemic that keeps so many enslaved.

WORKS CITED

Staff, NPR. “Treating Addiction As A Chronic Disease.” NPR,.25 Feb. 2016, www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/02/25/468085130/treating-addiction-as-a-chronic-disease#

In the blog post titled, “Saying ‘Addiction is NOT a Disease’ Supports Stigma,” published August 13, 2017, recovering addict William addresses the pressing need for our society to overcome the stigma around addiction. Throughout the article, he makes a point to address the misconception around addiction and the threat it poses to combating what has become one of the United States greatest healthcare crisis. William explains how the belief that addiction is not a diseas has the created the misconception that addiction is a moral failing and a matter of self-control. William states. “Sigma is the reason that so many people die from addiction instead of finding recovery,” saying that if we can change the connotation around addiction, people won’t be ashamed to receive treatment, and in turn, get clean and sober. By comparing the disease of addiction to that of diabetes, he explains how both are common diseases in our society, yet the stigmas around the two are as different as black and white. Where a diabetic is showered with love and support after their diagnoses, an addict is left ashamed, and feeling like a failure. William ends the article by using the example of HIV, providing proof that the process of education can challenge a society’s assumptions. He concludes the article hopefully, stating that the fears surrounding HIV were broken down by spreading the truth — -and that the same can be done to combat the addiction crisis we’re facing today.

EVALUATION OF CREDIBILITY

Based off my credibility evaluation of the article; I concluded that William’s post is an opinion-based, unreliable source that lacks academic credibility.

The article is written by William [last name anonymous], a recovering heroin addict and publisher of the website, “Kill the Heroin Epidemic Nationwide”. His expertise on the disease of addiction comes in the form of personal experience rather than an education. Although I believe there is truth in his words, opinions are unreliable unless supported by evidence that backs up the claim. William may have the narrative to write an opinion piece, but his article doesn’t contain the supporting evidence and references needed to turn his opinion piece into a credible source. This is not to say that the article and the website itself don’t serve as valuable resources; but it does speak to my claim that the site is non credible from an academic viewpoint.

William founded the site, “Kill the Heroin Epidemic Nationwide” , with the hope that it will serve as an informative platform; providing support, connection, and advice for recovering addicts. The team of authors consist of writers and bloggers who are all recovering addicts, advocating for sobriety and dedicating their work to provide support for those in need. Their qualifications also come in the form of experience rather than education. The fact that the website lists the authors and their credentials adds to its credibility; however the lack of expertise and proper qualifications detracts from its trustworthiness.

On the surface, there is little reason to believe the website is non credible. Although some posts are opinion pieces, William and his fellow authors include scientific facts and examples to strengthen their claims. With that being said, one can observe that the articles have no references to back up their claims. Without sources, the statistics and facts provided can’t be proven, in turn, lessoning the credibility of the site. The advice and arguments made in the blog posts may be true, but the lack of supporting evidence and sources make the claims untrustworthy. For instance, in the blog post “Proof that Addiction is a Disease and How it Affects the Brain” William argues that addiction is a disease and explains how it affects the brain, but he doesn’t provide any proof for his proof. His evidence and supporting facts aren’t backed up by sources or scientific proof which make his claims invalid.

SUMMARY

The New York Times article, “In Pursuit of Liquid Gold,” sheds light on the secrets and scamming occurring behind the scenes in the field of addiction treatment and recovery. Author, David Segal, explains that the rise in substance abuse has enabled many companies to profit of the problems of addicts, saying, “the money to be made off addiction treatment has made it easy to put profits over people.” In the article, Segal addresses the trend in clinics and labs who have begun to charge over 4,000 per urinalysis test. Urinalysis, otherwise known as a pee test, is a necessary part of recovery. It ensures that the recovering addict stays clean and provides evidence to hold them accountable if they relapse. Throughout the article, Segal provides evidence and real world stories to back up his observation that companies are scamming recovering addicts and turning there pee into profit. Through the use of rhetorical strategies such as Pathos and Logos, Segal forms a strong, compelling argument that causes the reader to think about the issue at hand.

LOGOS

What is logos?

Logos can be defined as a literary device used to sway the target audience by employing reason. Reasoning is the action of thinking about something in a sensible way. It is a process where one constructs there thoughts and uses evidence to come to a decision or conclusion. A valid argument can be viewed as reasoning that is constructed using a foundation of facts.

How do these rhetorical devices function in the piece?

In the article, “In Pursuit of Liquid Gold,” Segal uses statistics and evidence as a mode of persuasion to convince the audience into believing his argument is credible. Throughout the article, Segal incorporates facts and real word studies to strengthen his point and bring awareness to the corruption occurring in the field of addiction treatment. Not only does this strategy strengthen his argument, it also proves to the reader that Segal isn’t just arguing an opinion — — rather, he’s speaking for a real issue at hand. He uses the example of a lawsuit filed by UnitedHealthcare to compel the reader that the issue is a current and pressing matter. For instance, he states, “Insurers are also fighting back. In January, UnitedHealthcare filed a lawsuit seeking $100 million from Next Heath, a network of labs, claiming that it had paid doctors bribes as well as kickbacks of 20 percent of revenue for overpaid and medically unnecessary urine and saliva samples.” From the beginning to end, Segal incorporates the rhetorical strategy of logos and uses a variety of sources to persuade the audience into deducing a conclusion similar to his. This device is very effective as it forces the reader to either agree with the evidence at hand, or figure out a way to fight the facts — -and trust me, it’s hard to disagree with Segal’s reasoning that seems so valid.

PATHOS

What is pathos?

Empathy, or the ability to share the feelings of another is a necessary aspect in the rhetorical strategy of pathos. Pathos is a device where the author appeals to emotion; where they target ones compassion and use personal stories, anecdotes, quotes, humor, etc. as a way to get the audience to connect with the argument. As a kid, heavy handed emotionalism is effective when our parents or guardians are trying to get a point across. Remember when they teach you the consequences of drinking and driving? They show you a documentary with sad songs and intense reenactments where parents get the news that there child has passed. These moments provoke emotions, and when we feel an emotional connection to something, it tends to impact us more. When it comes to pathos, the ability to derive emotions from the audience and get them to pity or relate to the issue at hand is necessary. By appealing to the readers emotions, the author is able to sway the audience into agreeing with their argument.

How do these rhetorical devices function in the piece?

In conjunction with logos, Segal uses pathos to evoke the emotions of the reader. For example, he uses the story of 23 year old John Baker, a recovering addict who was taken advantage of by the system and passed away from an overdose. Segal explains how Mr. Baker was required to take a urinalysis test each day, multiple times, yet the companies never tested him for the one drug he was addicted to — -steroids. The extensive testing resulted in bills averaging $260,000, a shocking and unnecessary cost for something so common in recovery. By providing background information and an explanation of Mr. Baker’s case, Segal hooks the audience and gets them to empathize with Mr. Baker’s situation. To further his argument that companies are putting profits over people, Segal explains how Mr. Baker was kicked out of his treatment facility, and overdosed days later. His parents? They’re left with a 260,000 dollar bill, and an even bigger debt — — the loss of a child. This example fits into pathos because it provokes the audiences emotions as a way to strengthen a claim. The audience reads the story about a young boy who was taken advantage of by the system and eventually passed away; leaving them emotional and sympathetic towards the family as well as the cause[Segal’s claim].Segals use of pathos persuades the reader by evoking compassion through the use of a personal story and compels them to agree with his reasoning even more. Without the use of these literary devices, Segals argument would just be an opinion — -and not a very convincing one at that.

What defines addiction?

There’s a misconception around the disease of addiction. A misconception that it’s a “choice.” That it’s a decision one makes where they choose between living a happy and healthy life, or a life full of drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse. Addiction is not a choice, rather it’s a chronic neurological disorder. Unlike most diseases which are able to be tested, diagnosed, and treated, addiction is rooted deep in the mind and can’t be detected through symptoms on the surface. It is a progressive, chronic, and deadly disorder for which there is no known cure. Addiction is a three-fold disease meaning it affects the mind, body, and spirit. There are no lab tests, X-rays, brain scans, or chemical imbalance tests that can verify an addiction, nor are there any treatments proven to work. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, addiction contributes to around 632,000 deaths in the U.S. each year and the number is growing.

Why is there no roadmap to recovery?

In the New York Times opinion piece, “Treat Addiction Like Cancer,” author Laura Hilgers recalls a time when her daughter was dealing with addiction to drugs and alcohol around the same time that her stepbrother underwent treatment for lymphoma cancer. Although both are common diseases in our society, Hilger describes the contrast she saw between the two treatment plans. Her stepbrother was provided with detailed care and a treatment plan for his cancer, while her daughter was left lost and confused as to what the next steps were to overcome her addiction. For instance, Hilger says, “While my stepbrother received a doctor’s diagnosis, underwent a clearly defined treatment protocol and had his expenses covered by insurance, there was no road map for my daughter. She had gone undiagnosed for several years, despite my reaching out to her health care providers, who either minimized my concerns or weren’t sure what to do.” The difference in her two experiences was stark but speaks to the fact that our mainstream medical system is ill-equipped and uninformed about addiction and its treatment protocol. Hilger goes on to state, “It [addiction] also affects 1.5 times as many people as those with all cancers combined…It makes no sense that what is fast becoming our greatest health care crisis is still dealt with mostly outside the mainstream medical system.”

Ill-Equipped to Treat Addiction

The misconception that addiction is a choice, or a moral failing, rather than a disease, has perpetuated the cycle of addiction due to the lack of help available in the medical field. In another New York Times article, titled, “Most Doctors Are Ill-Equipped to Deal With the Opioid Epidemic. Few Medical Schools Teach Addiction.” by Jan Hoffman, she describes the failure of many medical schools to adequate address addiction, in turn, leading many doctors knowledgeable in the future, when the diagnosis and treatment plan for addiction is in need. Hoffman states, “The need for front-line intervention is dire: primary care providers like Dr. Wlasiuk, who practices family medicine in a Boston community clinic, routinely encounter these patients but often lack the expertise to prevent, diagnose and treat addiction.” Someone with cancer, or another “common” disease, receive a roadmap to remission. They receive a diagnosis and a treatment plan. They get the comfort of knowing the doctor understands there needs and can take care of them. But an addict? An addict is left map-less in our society. Millions of people are dying and suffering from addiction each day; just as someone with cancer receives effective medical care and hope for remission, an addict deserves that same care and hope for recovery.

What sparked my interest?

I grew up with the Big Book of A.A. on my coffee table. In my household addiction was known as “the gene” due to its hereditary nature. I was raised with an extra awareness; my dad has worked the AA program for thirty-three years, therefore my sister and I were brought up with the knowledge of addiction and recovery. Throughout our lives, we were constantly warned by our parents to be careful because we could have it in our blood. Even though I was aware of my father’s past, I refused to believe I was the carrier of “the gene” too. I began smoking marijuana just out of curiosity. Growing up in a hippie town in Northern California, it was something people “just did” and that was a good enough excuse for me. My friends and I liked it because we thought we were “enlightened.” We would get high and talk about politics, traveling, and how we could solve the world’s problems. To validate my using I would tell myself, “It’s natural, you can’t get addicted”. Yeah, that’s true for some people; however, if you have the disease of addiction anything can become your drug. The illusion of control kept me from realizing the unmanageability of my life. I believed my own lies, that I was “okay,” and that the insanity I felt was “normal.” Little did I know I was a carrier of “the gene” too.

Why research addiction?

I’m interested in researching addiction and recovery in our society because it isn’t talked about enough — and if it is, it’s usually in a negative context. I always thought an addict had to be on the extreme side; homeless, ratty clothes, unshowered, and lacking any self-care. And yes, addiction can take that form, however, it can also be hidden behind your “everyday” face. Whether that’s a college student, working mom, or teacher, anyone can have the disorder. The fact that 2 out of 10 people struggle with addiction speaks to my point that we need to normalize the conversations around it as well as provide more options for treatment and recovery in the mainstream medical system. When someone sees a person with cancer, they feel sympathy. They feel bad, sad, and want to help. When it comes to an addict, people just keep walking. They see addiction as a moral failing rather than a disease, and I believe that if we had more help, and challenged this prominent misconception in our society, then maybe, we can begin to combat what has become one of our greatest healthcare crisis.

Citations

Hilgers, Laura. “Treat Addiction Like Cancer.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 19 May 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/05/19/opinion/sunday/addiction-cancer-treatment.html.

Hoffman, Jan. “Most Doctors Are Ill-Equipped to Deal With the Opioid Epidemic. Few Medical Schools Teach Addiction.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 10 Sept. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/09/10/health/addiction-medical-schools-treatment.html.