Role of Interest Groups, Agencies, States, and Courts on the subject of opioid abuse in the United States
The United States is grappling with the devastating opioid crisis, which accounts for more than 9000 deaths every week and over 33,000 every year. The mortality rate attributed to illegal and prescription opioids has tripled over the last decade, while millions are increasingly getting into the addiction trap. It is only recently that the government and other bodies have grasped the magnitude of the issues and its impact on individuals, families, and the economy and have initiated efforts towards preventing opioid abuse and addiction.
Both Federal and state governments have responded to the alarming trends by enacting various regulations and policies. These policies aim to control opioid prescribing, lower the risk of overdose and deaths, and provide more resources for treatment and rehabilitation purposes. The federal government exercises its authority through various regulatory agencies like the FDA, DEA, and CDC. Four years ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines regarding prescription opioids to manage chronic pain. And while the guidelines may not be comprehensive, they have played an important role in regulating the prescription of opioids. The FDA has also been granted the authority to order pharmaceutical companies to stop or reduce the production of opioid medication. Individual states oversee insurance and have the power to grant and retain medical licensure.
The opioid crisis also poses a major challenge to the justice system. Heroin and other synthetic opioids like fentanyl have contributed greatly to this epidemic. Opioids related arrests have tripled, and more police and probation officers are receiving more training regarding opioids. More jails are now offering rehabilitation programs to ensure detoxification among incarcerated users who are hooked to opioids. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), alongside the Department of Justice, has been accorded the power and legal responsibility to prosecute physicians and pharmacists involved in illegal prescribing and dispensing opioids.
Other groups in the society have also joined the cause in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Faith-based organizations and other non-governmental organizations are constantly involved in raising awareness against opioid addiction and advocating for major changes that will help control the production and supply of opioids. They are also involved directly with the victims, helping them get over their addictions and stay clean.
The fight against the opioid epidemic requires combined efforts from all members of society. The severity of the crisis calls upon the government, health care industry, private investors, individuals, and the community in general to each make an effort in addressing the opioid epidemic.
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