The student summarizes the research article.
Opioid misuse is one of the critical problems burdening the health care system in the United States. It is evident that the US is in the midst of a severe Opioid epidemic, and intervening, in this case, is a matter of health priority. It is estimated that 100 million American adults report the use of prescription Opioid with 3 million people reporting Opioid use disorder, either prescription Opioid or heroin use. In the last decade, more than 35,000 people have died due to opioid overdose, and this number is expected to increase if preventative measures are not instituted immediately. West Virginia is one of the US states to record a high number of Opioid addicts and fatalities. Since 2013, West Virginia has experienced surging cases of drug overdoses with a rate of 57.8 per 100,000 in 2017. These drugs spread across multiple drug categories, including prescription opioids, heroin, synthetic opioids, and psycho stimulates. Moreover, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and its compounds have been associated with surging death cases in the state, with fatalities tripling from 2015 to 2017. the rates have increased from 12.7 to 37.5 [per 100,000. also, prescription deaths remain high, accounting for 19.7 per 100,000 in 2016 with an insignificant decline in 2017
accounting for 17.2 per 100,000. Which are the highest among all US states.
The study was conducted in rural west Virginia county, Cabell, and Kanawha. Cabell county has the highest Opioid overdose rates of 72.7 per 100,000, approximately five times the national average passing by far the Kanawha’s county rate, which stands at 30.8% per 10000.
The study was conducted in rural west Virginia counties, Cabell and Kanawha. Cabell county has the highest Opioid overdose rates of 72.7 per 100,000, approximately five times the national average passing by far the Kanawha’s county rate, which stands at 30.6 per 100,00. There is evidence of inequality in the region, with Charleston and Huntington’s recording a poverty rate of 20% and 30.8 %, respectively. Huntington city has a low median income and high rates of disabilities that are higher than both national and West Virginia averages. High drug use in the region is attributed to poverty, and power imbalances in the region, leaving the residents frustrated due to pollution from coal plants, workplace accidents, and injuries. This study aims at demystifying environmental factors that exacerbate overdose rates.
to include an overview of the literature review
Methods section
The authors incorporate hotspot research, where a team of researchers travels to locations that report high overdose rates. The heroin in transition study utilizes an ethnographic approach to unearth changes and developments in the US heroin supply at local levels. The ethnographic study has been proven useful and effective in researching an individual who abuses drugs. The data obtained from the study is eventually compared with the observation of the ethnographic team grounded on their encounters with heroin abuse in other locations.
Qualitative findings have been presented based on semi structured interview that was conducted in the region in question. Ethnographic observation alongside filmed injection sequences was done with a special emphasis on individuals injecting heroin and drugs, including fentanyl in West Virginia.
Results section
The outcome of the study shows that all respondents had long experience of using prescription opioid pills. Most of them (n=16) started Opioid use with prescription pills, while only there initiated abuse with heroin. The shift from opioid use to heroin was common earlier before the surge of the US opioid epidemic. However, after 2010, new users started Opioid use with heroin. The transition’s dominant trend was based on prescription pills, with most users gradually changing from prescription opioids to heroin use. Data obtained from interviewing respondents highlights that while prescription opioids remained available and popular in West Virginia than other states, heroin had amassed a large share of the Opioid market.
Discussion section
For centuries, individuals have taken opium and its compounds such as morphine and other similar drugs to experience elevated mellow. Opium has enjoyed popularity for its analgesic effects besides its rewarding sensations that result in its repetitive use. The opioid is mainly used since, besides its capability of providing euphoric feelings, they reportedly relieve emotional and psychological problems, and it is an easy escape from life stressors.
The environmental conditions in west Virginia county are characterized by environmental, political, and social hardships. There is uncontrolled pollution of sir and underground water. Also, the surging cases of injury i9n the region is a drive for increased Opioid abuse.
Initiatives to alleviate the Opioid crisis in west Virginia only address its symptoms as opposed to underlying causes, and it will only yield temporary relief. The economic and social structural factors that drive problematic drug abuse need to be solved through economic development lenses. There is a need for concerted efforts to initiate social change. Industrial injuries are dominant in states attractive to chemical industries and are often blamed for the increased demand for Opioid pills for pain relief. Be that as it may, workplace accidents and injuries are inevitable. Prevention of occupational hazards could aid in reducing the uptake of opioids by individuals. The provision of treatment and rehabilitation services to western Virginia residents is vital to suppress Opioid abuse cases.
And conclusion
On the whole, there is a need for government interventions to curtail the increase of the Opioid epidemic. Public education is the key to raising awareness of substance use disorders are treatable conditions and addressing misinformation and related stigma. Also, greater provision of overdose prevention education and resources such as naloxone for peer distribution and use could be promoted to help reverse overdoses and alleviate the burden of emergency services.
Strengths
The study articles’ sample is considerable, and it is an accurate representation of the opioid trajectory among young and adults Americans. To mitigate the adverse effects of opioid use, the psychologists and physicians must possess a clear comprehension of the trajectory to develop effective preventive and treatment strategies that ensure zero relapses after addicts receive treatment.
Weaknesses
Qualitative study is generally explorative, and it posses inherent constraints emanating from convenience sampling and un-assessed biases. Additionally, While it is typically true that the authors used the qualitative study to explain the trajectory and reasons for opioid use, it was necessary to conduct interviews through a questionnaire to current opioid users and reformists who have undergone rehabilitation initiatives. Similarly, this would unleash the duration that it takes for one to become fully addicted. With the incorporation of quantitative research in the study, the authors could have provided a clear picture of the opioid addiction phenomena that affect both the individuals and the American society.
Reflect, and then discuss their personal, yet supported, opinions regarding the research
Intense campaigns and advertisements proved so successful in the sense that health care providers began embracing the pharmaceutical narratives and commenced to issue narcotics on a high number. Indeed, with an increase in prescription drugs in the market and health facilities, these companies introduced new drugs to meet the ever-increasing demand. Consequently, diversion occurred where people opted for narcotics for pain relief shifted to sought high mellow. This diversion is supported by the fact when the opioids were few in the market, there were fewer cases of opioid addiction, but the numbers of addicts increased with an increase and introduction of new opioids in the market.
From a global perspective, this study is relevant because psychologists and medical practitioners can comprehend the trend of moving from opioid prescriptions to opioid abuse. Opioid abuse is a global problem as many countries across the globe are reporting increased cases of Opioid abuse, opioid-related complications, and even deaths. Comprehension of The headway from starting use to abuse is critical, and it is instrumental in tailoring medical and therapeutic interventions to arrest the epidemic.