The Vicious Cycle of Addiction, Homelessness, and Medical Bills

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The opioid crisis has become a growing issue in our society, and it's not hard to see why. In many cases, individuals become addicted to opioids as a result of medical treatment. Pain management is essential, but with doctors overprescribing pain medications, patients can quickly become addicted. One of the consequences of addiction is an inability to work, and when people lose their jobs, they can no longer pay their medical bills. Healthcare is expensive, and when people can't pay their bills, they risk falling into debt or even bankruptcy. This situation can lead to a vicious cycle of homelessness and addiction that can be difficult to break. Unfortunately, this problem has been exacerbated by the actions of big pharma. Pharmaceutical companies have been accused of engaging in aggressive marketing tactics to push their products, including painkillers. They downplayed the risk of addiction and actively lobbied to prevent regulations that could limit the number of opioids prescribed by doctors. This has led to an over-reliance on opioids, which has contributed to the current opioid epidemic. It's no coincidence that the rise in homelessness and addiction has followed the increase in prescriptions for opioid painkillers.

As members of society, it's important to recognize the role that big pharma has played in this crisis. We can all play a role in supporting those who are affected by homelessness and addiction, and in holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in this epidemic. By supporting organizations that provide resources and services to those experiencing homelessness and addiction, we can help create a brighter future for all. It's essential to raise awareness of this issue, and to advocate for policies that can limit the over-prescription of opioids. Together, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to affordable healthcare, and where no one is left behind.


Here are a few websites for support and education


https://endhomelessness.org/


https://nida.nih.gov/


https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline



Written By Patrick Tebbs, 3/19/23

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