The Negative Effects Of Prescription Opioids By Adam Zyglis

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The image Opioids by Adam Zyglis found on PoliticalCartoons.com portrays a strong message about prescription opioid deaths. The image shows a grim reaper pouring faceless people out of a prescription bottle into his mouth, symbolizing death. The prescription bottle reads RxIP opioids addicts Dr. Approved. Conveying emphasis on its importance, the prescription bottle is the only object in color. The artist is implying prescription opioids are a prescription for death that’s doctor approved. CDC Director Frieden suggests because the epidemic is “doctor-driven”, doctors play an important role and ultimately doctors can reverse it (Ryan and Karlamanga). The image, Opioids, implies doctors are responsible for the opioid overdose epidemic. Prescription Prescription opioid drug abuse doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone and everyone. The artist is using the image, Opioids, to bring awareness to the prescription opioid epidemic affecting people worldwide. More than 2 million people in the United States suffer from substance abuse disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers ("Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications"). Some may view this message as unfair; not all people prescribed opioids will become addicted. However, in terms of abuse and mortality, opioids account for the greatest proportion of the prescription drug abuse Opioids are prescribed to help people; prescription opioids can be used to treat moderate-to-severe pain and are often prescribed following surgery or injury, or for health conditions such as cancer (Prescription Opioids). When taken as directed, opioids are safe and effective treatment options for relieving debilitating chronic pain (Highsmith). Doctors have screening protocol they follow before prescribing an opioid. Doctors ask patients about their past to see if any substance abuse was present, to rule out patients with a higher risk of becoming addicted to prescription opioids. Nonetheless, if the medication is used as directed, not only is your risk of addiction minimal, the odds of enjoying a better quality of life will be in your favor (Highsmith). In other words, doctors are doing their part to prevent prescription opioid drug abuse. Actually, dishonest people are the ones at

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