The current opioid epidemic is often dated to the late 1990s, when Oxycontin came to market and there was a push to more aggressively treat chronic non cancer pain. While true in some respects, the bigger reality is that this is the nation’s third major opioid epidemic dating back to the late 1880s. One implication is that our current understanding of addiction and the legal and justice frameworks reflect thinking as far back as 100+ years. The ripple effects have impacted everything from housing law to welfare benefits to the healthcare system and insurance design to internet regulation. As a result, the current opioid crisis is a way to understand how our communities are responding to the struggle of economic change, a siloed and under-resourced healthcare system, and stresses from COVID disruptions and isolation. Opioid addiction is not a new phenomenon but we are in the middle of a very 21st-century epidemic. Read on to find out signs you have an opioid addiction problem—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
