To understand the opioid crisis in Anytown, let’s examine the opioid crisis in another town.
In your analysis:
- Select a city (preferably the one in which you reside or one nearby) and describe the state of the opioid crisis there. Which specific populations are vulnerable to the crisis, and how and why has the crisis impacted them?
- Describe the research studies available on the opioid crisis in the city you chose: types, design, strengths, and weaknesses.
- What information can you apply to Anytown and why? How can another city provide guidance?
The analysis should be 3–4 pages, excluding title and references pages. Use current APA formatting to style your paper and to cite your sources. Integrate a minimum of three scholarly sources into the paragraphs of your paper. Use internal citations pointing to evidence in the literature and supporting your ideas. You will need to include a reference page.
See the rubric for specific grading criteria.
Due: Sunday, 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time)
Points: 100 points
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The opioid crisis is a devastating problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Medical college students need to understand the crisis and its impact on different populations. In this assignment, students are required to analyze the opioid crisis in a specific city, describe research studies on the crisis, and apply the information to Anytown.
1. Select a city (preferably the one in which you reside or one nearby) and describe the state of the opioid crisis there. Which specific populations are vulnerable to the crisis, and how and why has the crisis impacted them?
Answer:
Portland, Oregon is one of the cities with a severe opioid crisis. In 2019, Multnomah County recorded 234 deaths due to overdoses, with opioids accounting for 85% of these fatalities. The crisis has taken a toll on people with low incomes, people experiencing homelessness, and those suffering from mental health disorders. Opioid addiction is prevalent among people experiencing chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression or anxiety. Homeless individuals often have physical and emotional pain, making them vulnerable to opioid addiction.
The crisis has impacted these populations because of the widespread availability of prescription opioids. Opioid medications are often prescribed to manage chronic pain which can lead to addiction when misused. Additionally, the street availability of drugs like heroin and fentanyl makes it easier for people to access them, leading to addiction and overdose deaths.
2. Describe the research studies available on the opioid crisis in the city you chose: types, design, strengths, and weaknesses.
Answer:
There are several research studies available on the opioid crisis in Portland. A research study conducted by the Oregon Health Authority analyzed the opioid overdose deaths in Oregon between 2013 and 2015. The study found that prescription opioids were involved in 54% of the deaths, while heroin was involved in 32%. The strengths of this study are that it provides a clear understanding of the opioid crisis and the factors that contribute to opioid addiction and overdose deaths. However, it only covers a three-year period, and the data may not be updated.
Another study analyzed hospital admissions due to opioid overdose in Oregon between 2009 and 2014. The study found that the number of hospitalizations due to opioid overdose nearly tripled during this period. The strengths of this study are that it provides a comprehensive analysis of opioid overdose hospitalizations. However, the study only covers a small time frame, and the data may not be reflective of the current situation.
3. What information can you apply to Anytown and why? How can another city provide guidance?
Answer:
The information available on the opioid crisis in Portland can be applied to Anytown because the crisis exists in both cities. Like Portland, Anytown may have vulnerable populations like people experiencing homelessness, those with mental health disorders, and individuals with chronic pain who are at risk of addiction. Additionally, opioid medications may be widely available, contributing to the crisis. By analyzing the research studies conducted in Portland, medical college students can understand the factors that lead to opioid addiction and overdose deaths and develop strategies to prevent and manage the crisis.
Another city like Portland can provide guidance because the data and experiences of other cities can inform the development of effective interventions. Students can study the successes and challenges of other cities and learn from those experiences to improve their strategies for addressing the crisis in Anytown.
