|
The revelation that opioid dependence—for centuries criticized as a moral failure—is actually a chronic disease with biological underpinnings has significantly advanced the approach to this illness by healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of substance abuse disorders.
Outside this professional community, however, opioid dependence is still stigmatized as a moral lapse. Opioid dependence is often seen as self-inflicted, and relapse proves people don't really want to quit—essentially, those with opioid dependence have only themselves to blame, and they are not entitled to our help. However misinformed, such prejudices can be powerful—many opioid-dependent patients actively hide their treatment, and others are discouraged from seeking treatment altogether. Lifting the stigma of opioid dependence is critical to ensuring that everyone has access to proper medical treatment for this disease. One way to begin accomplishing this is by expanding public awareness of the biological basis of dependence. This section examines the biological foundation of opioid dependence, including medical origins, symptoms, and implications for treatment.
Origins of Opioids' Addictive Potential |
 |