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.
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Key Takeaways
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- 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
- Prevention Over Punishment: Emphasizing prevention and treatment rather than punishment can foster broader public and policymaker support for effective solutions
- Narrative Shifts: Reframing the epidemic with language that fosters empathy and shared responsibility encourages systemic change rather than stigmatization
Issues: Substance Use and Addiction
Countries: United States