In the year 2015 alone, the number of Tennesseans who died from an opioid overdose rose by 33%, public health officials say. And the fact that the state of Tennessee holds the number two slot for overdose rates from all types of substances only adds to growing concerns. The loss of life and hardship resulting from opioid abuse is hitting Tennessee communities like Shelby County hard, where overdose rates are the highest in the state.
The Doctors’ Role
And although the state has made some positive strides in limiting the availability of these substances, it must first invest in uncovering the root of the opioid crisis that is wreaking havoc on families and taxing resources statewide.
With Tennessee leading the nation as one of the top states for distributing opioid prescriptions, one may wonder why so many men and women are being prescribed prescription painkillers in the first place. This is due to the fact that in years past, doctors were encouraged to treat pain aggressively with these substances, but were not given adequate support and training to know when to limit access to opioids for their patients. Now, new guidelines and training programs are being put in place to help doctors identify possible drug-seeking behaviors, and limit access to substances of abuse.
A Lack of Quality Care
Unfortunately, Tennessee has historically had very limited access to quality treatment programs for individuals who are suffering from the perils of chemical dependence, and this has been especially true for low-income or uninsured Tennesseans. But access is improving, and new options for care are becoming more readily available. A Memphis organization, The Center for Addiction Science at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, has recently been recognized as a center of excellence by the Addiction Medicine Foundation, based in Bethesda, Maryland.
The Stigma of Addiction
An additional barrier to men and women who are chemically dependent and seeking help for this burdensome disease is related to stigma. Many individuals still view addiction with an attitude of shame, meaning that even when they recognize that they need help to regain sobriety, they are unwilling to access treatment. But this unfortunate view is starting to shift in many ways as more people from all walks of life are becoming willing to publically discuss the once very private topic of substance abuse. Opioid use disorder affects men and women from all parts of society, and as the topic gains more focus in the public eye, it is hoped that more Tennesseans, and individuals nationwide, will be encouraged to seek the care they need to take control of their lives once more.
