2
Opiates Case Assignment
The opiate crisis in the United States has numerous consequences for not only the
individuals that are addicted but to their families and communities. This case study will delve
into the issue of opioid dependence, health consequences, social consequences and moral and
biblical perspectives. It will also explore ways in which communities can try to combat this
epidemic as it is a complex problem and it’s overuse, over and under prescribing by physicians
and abuse has led to wide dependence. Many abusers of opiates started by being legally
prescribed these medications and due to the SUPPORT Act Section 2002, (FDA.gov/drugs,
2021) were forced to turn to the street to get relief from the pain they suffered.
The health implications of opioid use can be wide-ranging. According to the repeated use
of opioid medications can depress the nervous system leading to a low heart rate and shallow
breathing (López-Martínez, 2019). Most overdose deaths due to opioids are due to respiratory
failure and habitual use of these drugs can cause other health issues such as liver failure,
hepatitis, gastrointestinal problems and hormonal imbalance as well as psychiatric disorders.
Historically, opioids have been used for thousands of years for pain relief and have been
important to the field of medicine. However, the widespread use of opioids, including Fentanyl,
has led to a public health crisis in our Nation. The addictive nature of these drugs have resulted
in a dramatic and devastating increase in overdose deaths which led to the call for much stricter
regulations on the physicians prescribing them and the manufacturers of the medications.
(Connolly, 2018).
One of the most concerning social implications of drugs like Fentanyl and its abuse is
without a doubt the number of overdose deaths associated with the drug. With Fentanyl being
100 times stronger than Morphine, it is extremely potent and can be lethal in very small micro
3
doses. (FDA.gov/drugs, 2021). Another significant risk to public safety with opioids are that they
can be laced with other drugs. Many drugs today are laced with Fentanyl unbeknownst to the
user. Additionally, the illicit production and distribution of many of these substances has been
linked to an increase in violent crime and organized crime syndicates.
In terms of biblical implications, the Bible does not specifically prohibit the use of
opioids like Fentanyl but there are several passages that speak to the importance of caring for our
bodies and avoiding things that bring you harm. However, on the opposite side of this, The Bible
also speaks of caring for others and helping those who are suffering, which could be viewed as
supporting the use of opioid medications for medical purposes. (Johnson, 2019).
From a moral perspective, the debate over opioid/fentanyl use is multi-faceted. On one hand, as
humans with compassion and empathy, we have a desire to want to alleviate suffering and
provide relief to those in pain. On the other hand, we also recognize that there is inherent dangers
to the misuse and abuse of opioid medications and we feel a need to want to protect others from
harm such as addiction. Finding a balance between these competing interests is a challenge that
will require much dialogue and reflection requiring careful consideration.
In terms of addressing the social implications of opioid use, it is crucial that we approach
the issue from a multidimensional perspective. That means we will have to look at an increase in
evidence-based treatments and harm reduction and address the many factors that contribute to
substance use disorders as well as how we can implement regulations that will reduce the
availability of these substances in illicit markets. This also means we have to approach this issue
with compassion, understanding and support and will require a shift in societal attitudes towards
addiction as a whole and who we perceive to be substance abusers and addicts as this problem
truly does not discriminate. On the moral and biblical aspects of this crisis, opioids have
4
undeniable benefits for pain management, but its misuse and abuse raise serious ethical concerns.
(Fentanyl Drug Facts , 2021). Ultimately, there is a need for individuals to consider the
consequences of drug use to themselves and others. Addiction to any substance and especially
Fentanyl, can have devastating effects on individuals and communities alike. It is important to
seek help and support to break free from a cycle of destructive patterns of behavior. If one can
learn and reflect on the teachings of The Bible and will strive to live in accordance with those
teachings and moral principles, then healthier choices can be made for themselves and contribute
to a more just and compassionate society.
5
Bibliography
Connolly, S. J. (2018). The Ethics of Opioid Use in Pain Medicine. Journal of Pain
Management, 6(2), 87-95.
FDA.gov/drugs. (2021, 0). Retrieved from FDA.
Fentanyl Drug Facts . (2021). Retrieved from National Institute on Drug Abuse:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/
Information Sheet on Opioid Overdose. (2018). Retrieved from World Health Organization:
https://www.who.
Johnson, L. (2019). The Bible and Drug Use: A Moral and Ethical Perspective. Journal of
Christian Ethics, 4(3), 201-215.
López-Martínez, A. E.-P.-I.-M. (2019, December 26). Chronic Pain, Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder, and Opioid Intake: A Systematic Review. World Journal of Clinical Cases,
7(24), 4254-4269. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v7.i24.4254
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
