Responses: Opioid Use Disorder

Responses
Opioid Use Disorder
Hello! I hope you are enjoying your holidays. It is a coincidence that you sent your article regarding Opioid-Related Disorder because I had been reading a lot about drug abuse lately. You’ve elaborated quite decently on the major aspects of this problem. You are right that it is in fact, overwhelming how opioid use can adversely affect people and even induce withdrawal symptoms (Strang et al., 2020) because opioids have direct receptors on the brain cells, they become addictive in a very short time due to their ability to reduce physical pain (Haight et al., 2018). I strongly agree with you regarding evidence-based treatment and care that extends from the affected person’s physical wellbeing to their mental and financial stability.
Although many oral and intravenous drugs such as methadone and buprenorphine (Strang et al., 2020) can improve the symptoms of opioid addiction, it is crucial to value these people's psychological health. Addiction leaves people more vulnerable to physical and mental harm (Haight et al., 2018). Many of these people become addicts because of various domestic, financial and psychological issues such as abuse, unemployment, divorce, death of loved ones or lower self-esteem (Strang et al., 2020). Therefore, healthcare and rehabilitation facilities must offer counselling and therapy, along with medication.
References
Haight, S. C., Ko, J. Y., Tong, V. T., Bohm, M. K., & Callaghan, W. M. (2018). Opioid Use Disorder Documented at Delivery Hospitalization - United States, 1999-2014. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 67(31), 845–849. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6731a1
Strang, J., Volkow, N.D., Degenhardt, L.&nbs...