Breaking the Cycle: Understanding and Combating the Opioid Epidemic

By: Sanjana Shresta

The opioid epidemic is a serious health problem affecting millions of people. It started in the 1990s when drug companies claimed opioids, a type of pain medication, were not addictive. Because of this, doctors prescribed them more often, leading many people to become addicted. Over time, addiction to opioids has caused a rise in overdoses and deaths.

Opioids work by attaching to special receptors in the brain, releasing a chemical called dopamine. This creates strong feelings of pleasure and relief from pain. However, using opioids repeatedly changes how the brain works. Over time, people need more of the drug to feel the same effects, which can lead to addiction. Quitting opioids is hard because the body and brain both depend on the drug.

Some communities are affected worse than others, especially those without access to healthcare or addiction treatment. The crisis has gotten even worse with the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which are much stronger and more dangerous than regular opioids.

To fight this epidemic, researchers are working on safer pain medications that don’t cause addiction, and treatment programs for people struggling with addiction are also expanding. Governments are also passing stricter rules on how opioids are prescribed to stop misuse. Resolving the opioid epidemic depends on collaboration between scientific research, healthcare initiatives, and public policy interventions.