This morning I opened my Facebook page and there was a post noting I had an upcoming birthday soon and asked if I would like to pick a charity and have it posted on my page so my friends could give a donation on my behalf as a present. I thought this was an interesting idea so I hit the button to see what charities were on the list that might interest me. As I scrolled through the options, charities ranging from saving pets, to helping fight cancer and human trafficking to international charities for various things were listed. Although I didn’t count them, I bet there were more than 100 of them. What struck me as odd was there wasn’t one, not one, that provided support for drug addiction (also known as substance use disorder).
So, how does this relate to our lesson on Community? Let’s start with the fact that National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) has stated there is an opioid epidemic and crisis in our country, (https://www.drugabuse.gov/). NIDA’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) states that 8.1% of the U.S. population aged 12 years and older had a drug use disorder in 2014—that is 21.5 million people [this is only on the rise]. This of course includes alcohol as well as street and prescription drugs, (https://www.samhsa.gov/disorders). Of these 21.5 million people in 2014, 1.9 have a prescription related opioid addiction and another 586,000 have a street drug addiction to heroin, (n.d.) The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that 115 people a day die from opioid overdose, (https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html). Let me ask you this: How is this not a Community concern?
Hopefully I have your attention. I bet I can even guess at what some of you might be thinking, which is exactly why I chose this topic. As I read through the chapter on Applying Social Psychology to the Community about the bystander effect and diffusion of responsibility and the stigmatization topics, I quickly saw connections with the Community and those who have a drug addiction problem, (Schneider, et.al., 2012). Recognizing the by-stander effect is somewhat limited to a group of people or an individual deciding whether to get involved in an emergency situation as it is occurring, perhaps I am stretching the intended meaning a bit. I cannot, however, help but wonder is this not how we perceive the opioid epidemic? We [the community] are standing by waiting to see who else besides us will help? Certainly, that is not our responsibility; others will help, no? (Schneider, Gruman, Coutts, 2012, p.280).
Or perhaps the bigger challenge is the stigmatization that goes along with drug addiction, just as is described in the chapter. Have communities not labeled any one with this problem as being a deviant and flawed, perhaps not even deserving of help? Do many not hold Master Status, judging those with a drug addiction and disregard the fact that many are good people who contribute to society, but have fallen victim to a terrible disease?, (Schneider et.al., 2012, p.280). The studies discussed with regard to mental illness match well with those battling drug addiction, although I am not sure those with drug addiction are even afforded the results found in studies as discussed by Schneider et.al., of “public acceptance but private rejection,” (2012, p.285). SAMHSA reported 7.9 million adults with a drug addiction also had a co-occurring mental disorder, (https://www.samhsa.gov/disorders, 9th paragraph). Add in the social exchange theory, what is the likelihood of someone calculating the rewards and cost analysis of engaging with those with drug addiction problems as positive and not blameworthy? How many people “believe that the person truly had the moral responsibility to avoid the action or situation that led to the impaired condition, but did not exercise it?”, (Schneider, et.al., 2012, p.286). Now, add in the media stigmatization of the portrayal of drug-addicted persons. As Schneider, et. al. cited Diefenbach (1997) with regard to media portrayal of mental illness is one of aggression and violence, is that not the case with drug-addicted persons?, (2012, p.286). While NIDA does acknowledge there is a high rate of crime for drug-addicted persons which may include violent crimes when an individual is under the influence during the time of the crime, the most common are drug related violations for those on probation, (https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-abuse-treatment-criminal-justice-populations/introduction, 2nd paragraph).
Sadly, I feel like we are failing on this topic as a Community. Luckily, there is place where those with drug addiction can find a sense of Community. It offers the four elements of community: membership, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and shared emotional connection–Narcotics Anonymous (NA), (Schneider, et.al., 2012, p.279). NA has a long history like Alcoholics Anonymous and uses a 12-step model that provides wonderful support to those dealing with drug addiction, (https://na.org/ ). It is an amazing supportive and nonjudgmental community.
I am sure there are charities that do support those fighting drug addiction, I know of a specific local non-profit close to me; however, I do feel the larger Community does not truly see their role in helping with this epidemic.
References:
Schneider, F., Gruman, J., & Couts, L. (2012). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (2nd ed.). Thousands Islands, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.