Simply put, the Opioid Crisis might be one of the most severe public health scares since the AIDS epidemic first broke out in California. However, unlike the widespread reach of this autoimmune disease, the opioid epidemic might be one of the most easily preventable problems in our country. Why is this the case? Simply put, a majority of the medication fanning the flames of the Crisis are 100% legal and are actually beneficial (at times). However, as our country continues to feel the crippling effects of these painkillers, we often forget that our friends and neighbors are also battling opioid epidemics of their own design. Australia is fighting a burgeoning epidemic Down Under, while Canada, our neighbor to the north, is vigilantly trying to prevent issues with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Now, however, it seems that our neighbor to the south might be preparing for an Opioid Crisis, and it might be the United States’ fault. Let’s take a closer look at the looming epidemic in Mexico.
A Matter of Culture and Legislation
Sometime before these events, a combination of legislative and cultural factors helped prevent the spread of opioid abuse and addiction throughout Mexico. For example, certain laws made it difficult for doctors to obtain pads to write prescriptions for controlled substances in Mexican states. Likewise, the government initiated strict restrictions on opioid storage and medication count per prescriber. Likewise, the Mexican people shared the belief that these powerful painkillers were only intended for terminally ill patients and were highly illegal. So where does the threat come in, exactly?
Growing Population, Growing Medication List
Ultimately, as the group of Mexicans ages 65 and older start to age, more elderly people will populate our neighbor to the south by 2030. As a result, more residents will most likely suffer from chronic illnesses, chronic pain, cancer, and other painful diseases that require the use of opioid medications. Likewise, recent changes in Mexican legislation (including an ease of access to opioids and lower prices for these meds) could lead to abuse as a directly result of accessibility. Ultimately, health professionals have called for the United States to provide aid to the Mexican people while we still can, as we are partly to blame for the shipments of painkillers into their country.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder or Dependency
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
