How culture influences opiate abuse
Opiates, in any form, work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block the transmission and reception of pain signals. Additionally, opiates produce general feelings of well-being which can lead to euphoria when taken in chronic doses.
Opiates and Culture
Because opium has been used for so long, in many different forms and for many different purposes, it can sometimes be difficult to separate the drug from the culture that surrounds it. Historically, a fundamental line has existed between those who use controlled substances on a consistent basis and those who don’t. Numerous advances in prescription medicine are gradually making that line disappear. While there will most likely always be large groups of individuals who seek out illicit drugs to provide them with feelings of euphoria and escape, advances in modern medicine combined with cultural factors are partially responsible for an ever-increasing group of people addicted to opiates who have no history of drug use.
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Things to Consider
Generally, the number of new addictions to prescription opiates drastically increases each year. This is primarily the result of an attempt to block severe physical and emotional pain by simply relying on a controlled substance. Our culture works very hard to teach us that we can access just about anything at any time, and when it comes to the alleviation of physical or emotional pain, there is a pill for that. Of course, this is a difficult line to walk as many individual have a legitimate need for some form of prescription pain-relief, but we live in a culture which has an incredible ability to shape the way in which we view pain.
The line is disappearing between those who consistently turn to the help of controlled substances and those who don’t. While modern consumer culture can lead to progress, it can also lead the mindset that causes us to use something as much as we can and as soon as possible to provide the greatest gratification.
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Additional Resources for Opiate Abuse or Addiction
If you have questions about opiate use, misuse and addiction, we can help. We are available 24 hours a day through our toll-free helpline. We are here to take your calls and help you find the resources you need. Please call us today.