Opioid Crisis Thesis

HEARTFELT
A recurring problem in my community is the opioid crisis. It is a problem of epic proportions impacting so many individuals and families. It affects so many in our society regardless of race, gender, or economic prowess. I have seen the destruction first hand in my high school which inspired me to join SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). I have both counselled and consoled my fellow students about their family members, inspiring them to get help and, equally important, how to care for them during their struggles.

We live in a society filled with drugs and a culture whereby drug use is often encouraged if not celebrated. There are several states that have legalized
We live in a free society where drugs can be obtained by both legally and illegally with very little resistance. Therefore, it's mandatory that young people be made aware of the impacts of drugs. I believe this should start no later than at the middle school level. Education should be in the form of literature discussed in classrooms, video showing the impact of drug addiction, and live testimony from individuals who have been through the trials of addiction.

In addition to educating young people about the potential impact of drug use, it's critical that the massive increase in opioid prescriptions be investigated. Start with an examination of the retail drug stores. See which doctors are calling in the most opioid prescriptions. Also, encourage the medical community to come up with other non-additive alternatives to opioids. Doctors swear to the Hippocratic Oath which binds them to specific ethical standards. At a bare minimum, this includes not getting their patients addicted to opioids.

In conclusion, I believe the opioid problem in my community has reached critical levels. It's important that we come together society and address this epidemic. Educators and doctors must take the lead to eliminate this plague on our