The Evolution of Addiction in America and Its Impact on Our Perception of Those Affected

Addiction has always been a complicated issue in American society. Historical events, cultural changes, and medical developments have shaped our views on this challenge. How we perceive people battling addiction has changed dramatically over the years. Factors like the opioid epidemic, social stigma, and advancements in treatment have influenced this transformation. For these reasons it is vital that we as practitioners understand the stark reality that is Substance Use Disease (SUD).This blog post explores the history of addiction in America and how it has shaped our viewpoints on those affected.

History of Addiction in America

Addiction in America has deep roots, influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors. Over time, various substances have been misused, leading to evolving perceptions and responses to addiction. And as the nation expanded, awareness increased regarding the harmful effects of substance use.

By the late 19th century, the prohibition movement and the morphine (opiate) habit gained traction. During this time, the perception of addiction began to shift from moral failing to a public health issue. Dr. Jerome M. Adams featured in the Backstory podcast, 'The Habit' (Ayers et al., 2018), presented how the late 19th century doctors spurred the nation’s first addiction crisis and how race and class have shaped our perception of addicts and addiction.

The Opioid Epidemic: A Turning Point

Fast forward a century, we have seen the rise of the opioid epidemic, profoundly changing how Americans view addiction. Opioids were initially prescribed for pain management, and their addictive nature was often overlooked. Since 1999, opioid prescriptions have quadrupled, leading to a staggering increase in addiction rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 564,000 people died from opioid overdoses from 1999 to 2020. Addiction has truly transformed into this social and cultural phenomenon.

This crisis has brought addiction to the forefront of healthcare, sparking discussions around treatment, recovery, and overdose protection. The stigma surrounding addiction has also been highlighted, with many individuals facing judgment and discrimination, complicating their path to recovery.

Stigma and Its Consequences

Stigma is a significant barrier to effective treatment and recovery for individuals with SUD. Many continue to see addiction as a moral issue rather than a medical one, resulting in feelings of shame and isolation. Sparking the major question, is it a...

CHOICE or DISEASE?

There is no doubt about it, the initial decision to start using addictive substances is a CHOICE, carefully selected and willingly decided upon. But from there, SUD evolves into a DISEASE after repeated exposure that physically alters the brain. Thus preventing users the ability to choose, while their body decides for them. (Amarendran, n.d.)

Efforts to combat stigma have gained momentum in recent years, with campaigns aimed at changing the perception of SUD through educating the public and identifying it as a disease. Understanding that addiction arises from a mix of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors can foster empathy for those struggling with SUD's.

The Role of Education and Advocacy

Education plays a fundamental role in shaping medical and public views of SUD. Providing accurate information about the nature of SUD, its causes, and effective treatment options can lead to a more compassionate understanding. Advocacy efforts, like promoting policies that improve treatment access, help reduce stigma and create supportive environments for individuals in recovery. Language adjustments, changing the verbiage surrounding SUD ultimately changes the perception around addiction also helps reduce the stigma.

WORDS MATTER!

For APRN students, grasping the historical context of addiction is essential for delivering empathetic and effective care. By understanding the complexities surrounding substance use disorders, future healthcare providers can foster a more informed and compassionate approach to treatment.

A Path Forward in Understanding Addiction

The history of addiction in America has significantly shaped our views on individuals struggling with substance use disorders. From the colonial history of alcohol consumption and morphine habits to the ongoing opioid epidemic, our understanding of addiction has evolved, affecting treatment methods and social perceptions.

Hearing stories like Andrew's enables us as practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of what SUD can entail, the challenges faced, how individuals navigate them, and how we can better support them. His story embodies resilience and the message of HOPE. At the conclusion of his interview, he discusses hope, how to find it, nurture it, and let it guide you towards recovery. In a world that feels dark and lonely, hope can seem lost and hard to rediscover. As he mentioned, it only takes one call to find a small piece of hope that can spark the recovery journey.

As we tackle the challenges addiction presents, it is crucial to fight stigma, promote education, and advocate for effective treatment solutions. By nurturing a more compassionate understanding of addiction, we as APRN's can support individuals on their recovery journeys and work toward a healthier society for everyone.

References

Amarendran, V. (Host). (n.d.). Stigma in substance use disorder treatment [PowerPoint Presentation]. https://husson.instructure.com/courses/2099794/pages/module-2-weeks-7-11-substance-use-addiction-and-the-opioid-epidemic?module_item_id=44085962

Ayers, E., Balogh, B., and Connolly, N. (Hosts). (2018, April 6). The habit (No. 0193) [Audio podcast episode]. BackStory. https://backstoryradio.org/shows/the-habit/#transcript

Center for Disease Control. (2022). Teen newsletter: Opioids. David J. Sencer CDC Musum Public Health Academy Teen Newsletter.Teen Newsletter: Opioids | David J. Sencer CDC Museum | CDC