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Published Media / Jun 26, 2018

Reframing America's Opioid Epidemic to Find Solutions

Name of publication: Stanford Social Innovation Review

Framing the opioid epidemic as a crisis and an individual problem obscures the power of prevention and society’s role in promoting it.

Key Takeaways

    1. Systemic Framing: Viewing the opioid epidemic as a systemic issue, not just an individual problem, highlights societal factors that drive addiction and need for prevention strategies​
    2. Prevention Over Punishment: Emphasizing prevention and treatment rather than punishment can foster broader public and policymaker support for effective solutions​
    3. Narrative Shifts: Reframing the epidemic with language that fosters empathy and shared responsibility encourages systemic change rather than stigmatization​