Opioid addiction is an epidemic. Let ’s treat it like one.

If we want to talk about the opioid epidemic as an actual epidemic, let’s use the same terms we use for communicable disease: agent, vector/environment, host. Virulence. Transmission. Immunity. The media has done a great job of providing descriptive statistics of the epidemic. And recent oversight, both legislative and advisory, have attempted to focus on altering vector (prescriber) behavior in the wake of apparent failed attempts to reduce agent virulence. What seems to be lacking in the overall discussion though, in my opinion, is a focus on the host. That is where eradication of epidemics has generally been more successful. What is unique about modern chronic disease epidemics, contrasted to classic infectious disease epidemics, is the unique behavioral vulnerability of the host. People have no problem adopting mosquito nets, fleeing plague-infested quarters of the city or submitting to vaccination. And yet, they flock to Krispy Kreme, tobacco and opioids despite the knowledge that these agents can destroy them. We are drawn like moths to a flame to that which we know to be harmful to us  —  if we deem short-term benefit to outweigh the long-term cost. (“Delay discounting,” as Marc Lewis calls it. Check out his wonderful little book, The Biology of Desire.) Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Conditions Pain Management Primary Care Source Type: blogs