Opioid misuse, overdose, and use disorder are still devastating health problems in the United States. Current studies suggest that the number of people dying from opioid misuse is increasing significantly (Webster & Sud, 2019). An estimated number of 90 Americans die prematurely each year out of opioid misuse. The medical prescriptions of opioids started in 1990, with nonmedical use of opioids beginning shortly after and reached a peak of 2.7 million users in 2002 (Webster & Sud, 2019). By 2012, the number of nonmedical opioid users dropped to 1.8 million users. Up to date, the number of opioid nonmedical users is still significant. The mortality rate of opioid has increased four-fold from 1999 to 2011, with overdose mortality being the leading course.
Opioid overdose-associated deaths have increased in every population; however, it is highest among males. Male death rates are three times higher in males and mainly in those who have been to prison (Webster & Sud, 2019). The main problem affecting opioid prescription is cheaper heroin, with many people who develop opioid use disorder switching to heroin. It is difficult to differentiate the pathways between pain onset to opioid exposure and the resulting adverse effects of misuse and drug-seeking and carry out independent research (Webster & Sud, 2019). The main characteristics of opioids that have been found to influence harm risk include the formulation, chemical compound, and the route of administration.
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The media also plays an essential role in molding public perception of matters like the opioid crisis. Several available studies are covered regarding issues of science communication (Webster & Sud, 2019). Most of the lessons are said to be facts, but they rarely provide tangible information that the consumers can use to determine the validity of the research. The news media are an influential guide to public health, and therefore they play a crucial role in shaping how the audience thinks about them.
Reference
Webster, F & Sud, A. (2019). A Critical Content of Media Reporting On Opioids: The Social Construction of an Epidemic. Social Science and Medicine. Pg. 2-15. Https://Doi:Org/10.1016/J.Socsimed.2019.112642
