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APA ORMAT AND CITATION 7EDITION:
Respond to at least two colleagues by respectfully agreeing or disagreeing with their interpretation of the time line and its direction. Provide additional insight on their news item.
1-CETRICE-
Evolution of Society’s Approach to Substance Use and Misuse
Society’s perspective on substance use has evolved from viewing addiction as a weakness to seeing it as a medical condition. Throughout time this is seen as an individual would alleviate their addictions using other substances. Historically, individuals with substance use disorders were stigmatized, but the mid-20th century saw the rise of treatment models like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the “disease model” of addiction, promoting more empathetic care (Van Wormer & Davis, 2018). The “War on Drugs” in the 1980s emphasized criminalization, but recent decades have shifted back toward a health-oriented approach, including harm reduction strategies like needle exchange programs, supervised injection sites, and naloxone distribution.
Recent News: Opioid Overdose Crisis and Fentanyl
The opioid crisis has worsened with the rise of fentanyl, which now accounts for nearly 70% of opioid-related overdose deaths in the U.S. (CDC, 2023). This highlights both the ongoing challenges of substance misuse and the progress made in treatment, particularly through harm reduction measures like naloxone and decriminalization efforts. These shifts reflect a growing view of addiction as a public health issue that requires care, not punishment.
The Direction of Treatment Philosophy
Treatment is increasingly holistic, incorporating the biopsychosocial model, trauma-informed care, and mental health services. Telemedicine and digital tools are expanding access to care, particularly for underserved populations (Walden University, LLC, 2023). The shift from corrective measures to treatment-focused approaches reflects growing empathy, but addressing addiction’s complexities requires ongoing evolution in treatment methods (Van Wormer & Davis, 2018).
Reference
Van Wormer, K., & Davis, D. R. (2018). Addiction treatment: A strengths perspective (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
2-TRICIA-
In viewing the timeline of substance use and regulation, it seems that as a society, the use of any particular substance is initially viewed as novel, with only the benefits touted and seemingly little thought to the detriments or ill effects (Walden University, 2023). This is seen with ethanol, tobacco, stimulants (i.e. cocaine) and opioids alike. Gradually, as side effects and harms become apparent, laws are enacted which harshly impact those addicted without any regard for the harm they may cause, or for the proliferation of the underground market for the substances. Then, the pendulum swings back towards the middle, with accommodation for those addicted, societal acceptance of the need for treatment, or acceptance that the substances have become mainstream and their use becomes open and commonplace. This can be seen with ethanol and cannabis. Although the pattern of misuse, harm, addiction and regulation has been similar among multiple substances, over the past 50 years, there has been some change regarding the approach to treatment (Walden University, 2023). With the advances of molecular biochemistry and the understanding of how drugs affect neurobiology, we have a better understanding of how people become addicted and thus of potential solutions. Further, as our knowledge of genetics improves, those who are more susceptible to addiction may be identified and helped. From a social perspective, there has been more of a shift towards harm reduction, with the understanding that some addicts may never stop and the best way to reduce morbidity and mortality is to provide clean needles, for example, to prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as viral hepatitis and HIV.
Political sentiment and momentum and public sentiment often fuel each other, resulting in the enactment of legislation which can swing the pendulum in either direction: towards a more tolerant approach to addiction or a more punitive one. The shifting of strategies to deal with addiction is often not based on data. In Ontario, the provincial government has passed legislation to eliminate harm reduction sites despite the fact that these sites reversed over 1600 overdoses in just one calendar year (Casey & Jones, 2024). The government has taken this approach because it has been pressured by lobbyists trying to remove what they perceive to be the “seedier” elements of society from being close to their homes or schools, ignoring the fact that addiction afflicts all.
References:
Casey, Li., & Jones, A. (2024, December 3). Ontario’s opioid strategy outdated, auditor general says. Toronto Star.
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