If you’re in the United States, it’s likely that you have lost classmates to what is often referred to as opioid addiction. These individuals have tragically become casualties of the ongoing opioid crisis in America.
According to the National Institute of Health’s Institute of Drug Abuse, a staggering 47,600 Americans succumbed to opioid-related fatalities in 2017, a sharp rise from 8,048 in 1999—averaging 130 deaths each day. With the prevailing trends in opioid consumption, there is little reason to believe these numbers will not continue to escalate.
Unfortunately, those grappling with what the American Medical Association identifies as “opioid-use disorder” (OUD) face significant societal stigma. Many people may picture a stereotypical image: perhaps a teenager pilfering their mother’s pain medication or an individual exhibiting erratic behavior outside a convenience store. They might envision frail figures with disheveled appearances and terms like junkie or addict may come to mind.
However, individuals like Jacob Johnson challenge these perceptions. Jacob, who tragically passed away at just 32 years old, was described by his family as a vibrant person who “died unexpectedly.” His uncle, Mark Thompson, recalls how Jacob, when caught in the throes of addiction, insisted, “I’m still the same person I’ve always been.”
For much of his struggle, Jacob didn’t fit the typical mold of someone suffering from OUD. He was athletic, worked in construction, and was well-liked. You wouldn’t have guessed he was battling an addiction. He believed that his diligence and hard work would help him overcome his struggles, but it only took one moment of weakness for everything to unravel. He hadn’t planned on dying that day; he had simply gone to work.
The stigma surrounding OUD is so pervasive that, as reported by local news, a trained Narcan administrator in Syracuse, New York, succumbed to an overdose. The executive director of the organization he worked for expressed sadness, noting that while some were aware of his occasional use, he never sought the help he needed. This reflects a tragic reality; many individuals battle their addictions in isolation due to societal judgment.
Similarly, Linda Carter, who speaks publicly about her daughter Hannah’s struggles with OUD, often begins by highlighting her daughter’s accomplishments—how she was an engaged student and a dedicated worker. Linda travels around Pennsylvania, advocating for a shift in public perception to combat the stigma that those with OUD face.
The American Medical Association emphasizes that opioid addiction is frequently misunderstood as a moral failing or a matter of choice. In reality, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine estimates that over 2 million Americans are living with OUD, which is a treatable chronic brain disorder resulting from altered neural pathways due to prolonged opioid use.
Barriers to effective treatment are largely rooted in stigma and the criminal justice system, which can interrupt essential treatments like methadone. According to the Surgeon General, only about one in four individuals with OUD received treatment last year, and the American Medical Association suggests that the reality may be even more dire—only two out of ten have access to necessary care. Many grapple with co-occurring mental health issues, yet few receive adequate treatment for both.
This stigma manifests in various ways. For example, the language used by healthcare professionals can perpetuate negative perceptions. When terms like “clean” and “dirty” are used in reference to drug tests, it reinforces harmful stereotypes. One man’s experience detailed in a psychology publication revealed the challenges he faced in securing housing and educational opportunities during his recovery, illustrating how stigma hinders progress.
You might think of addicts as morally deficient or willfully choosing their path, but the reality is far more complex. Addiction is intertwined with brain chemistry and the intricate interplay of genetics and neural mechanisms that can strip individuals of their agency. Those suffering from OUD are often in desperate need of medical intervention and support from loved ones. They are still the same individuals they were before addiction took hold.
Jacob Johnson had a passion for movies, his uncle reminisces, often asking, “When can we catch a movie together?” Tragically, he never got that chance again.
This is the true face of OUD—not the stereotypical figure you might envision, but a poignant reminder of the loved ones we lose and the conversations that remain unspoken. The stigma surrounding addiction leaves these questions lingering in the air, unanswered.
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Summary:
This article examines the often-misunderstood nature of opioid-use disorder, challenging the stigma associated with addiction. By sharing personal stories and statistics, it aims to reshape perceptions and highlight the need for empathy and understanding in addressing the opioid crisis.