Drug Problems in Everett, MA
Introduction
Everett, a city, named after Edward Everett, is located in Massachusetts, North of Boston and, it was established in 1892 after being separated from Malden. Everett is a metropolitan city which has developed as it has a good transportation system, life resources, and good business climate. The city is committed to economic development, and it focuses on providing the valuable resources to the companies for development. However, there is an opioid epidemic in the city, and the crisis has affected adults and teenagers, public health and economic welfare. The city has encountered heroin-related deaths since high school students and adults abuse heroin and prescription opioid. The problem had led to devastating effects on the community in that when teenagers and adults abuse the drug, there are unable to work, and they end up committing crimes to sustain their lives. The drug use has increased the burglary and crime rates. Remarkably, the crime prevention unit in this city has shown efforts in dressing the drug problem. The police department has also shown efforts in reducing crime and maintaining peace in the city. In addressing the drug problem and eliminate the terrible impact, the community should develop strategies such as collaborative partnerships, transparency and accountability, provision of treatment services, recovery resources and prevention services.
Drug use is a major problem affecting teenagers and adults in Everett. The problem has contributed to individual, family and social issues such as legal troubles, behavioral issues, health issues and more. The problem of drug use has gone beyond the personal impact to affect the community and has caused a high cost in the society. The research done in the city show that that teenagers and adults abuse drugs to ease pain and they prefer using addictive substances to enjoy life (Associated Press & Hopperstand, 1). In other words, they experiment drugs such as marijuana, opiate medications such as morphine, hydrocodone, and others as they believe that they will feel good. For example, the majority like experiencing the heroin intoxication to release pain and anxiety. Other drugs such as marijuana are used for recreational reasons and the need for pleasurable sensation. This is an issue that needs to be solved to eliminate the problems that have affected the individuals as well the society. The residents say that in the next election, they will select a politician who will address the drug crisis and homelessness as these are the major issues in the city. In specific, the mayor, as the voters say, will play take the role and responsibility in addressing these issues and create jobs (Rozier, 1). The problem of drug use has led to gang violence, and the majority of criminals are young people. The violence is a threat to the families as parents raise their children in a disturbing environment full of homeless drug addicts.
In reviewing the issue of drug abuse, Gov. Deval Patrick says that heroin epidemic has affected public health in the entire State of Massachusetts. For example, the use of opiate overdose increased by 90% from 2000-2012 (Boyuette &Feyerick, 1).The report from Drug Enforcement Administration shows that the issue of drug abuse is not only in Massachusetts, but it is an issue that has affected almost all the American States. The shocking news is that among the abused drugs, heroin use has increased at a higher rate despite being the highly addictive opioid. Teenagers and adults can easily access heroin since it is cheap and they can purchase a small dose of $10 (Boyuette &Feyerick, 1). All these problems are due to the aggressive distribution of OxyContin which is a powerful painkiller abuse by teenagers and adults. Note that when this drug is abused, the body creates a drug tolerance and the users need other drugs such as heroin to feel high. The distributors and suppliers have made makeshift tenants where users can access the drugs. The first issue to address is the unethical issues in pharmaceutical sectors, and sue the companies which sell the OxyContin such as the Purdue Pharma (Boyuette &Feyerick, 1). The latter has participated in the illegal trafficking, and the company fails to take actions such as informing the law enforcement. The companies that sell drugs should be accountable to rebuild the community.
In the New York Times Investigation, Ryan et al. (1) explain where the drug problem rooted by saying that Jevon had a crack business and after abandoning the business, he started selling OxyContin. The drug gained popularity, and the research shows that it was one of the factors that led to crimes in Snohomish. The abuse of OxyContin opened the path for the use of heroin and other painkillers which have caused premature deaths in young people. The drug use also affected the community and families since addicts became burglars, petty thieves, robbers and prostitutes. Due to the OxyContin crisis and drug surveillances, Purdue Pharma, a pharmaceutical company started selling new tablet which addicts could not afford (Ryan et al, 1). For this, reason, addicted begun using heroin which had a similar effect and was sold at affordable prices. Since 2010, teenagers and adults from upper and middle classes have been using heroin, and this has brought the healthy crisis in the city. At a recent meeting, city officials from groups like Everett Overcoming Addiction (EOA), The Board of Health, The Everett Police and more reported that the opioid epidemic is growing in at a higher rate given that before, only one Narcan was needed for overdose reversal but today, the amount needed is two to five doses (Independent Staff, 1). The representatives provided opioid-related information which reported that in 2000 to 2016, deaths as a result of opioid use have increased by 350% in Massachusetts. Everett is ranked at the top among the communities affected by the crisis (Independent Staff, 1). Joe McGonagle, a representative, asserted that the problem should be addressed through education and community outreach. She added that there should be the availability of resources for recovery where addicts will be provided with treatment. Also, the Everett Police provided a contract view by stating that those who abuse drugs should be arrested and receive treatment while in prison (Independent Staff, 1).
The solution to drug problem
In addressing the issue of drug and solve the socioeconomic problems, it is important to first focus on the underlying causes. Both teenagers and adults are dying as a result abusing prescription opioids and heroin. The research has shown that heroin is used at a higher rate since it is readily available and it is sold at an affordable prices especially in rural communities. To solve these issues, the professional assistance will be of great help especially in eliminating the myriad repercussions (UNODC, 1). Note that drug abuse in Everett has led to detrimental effects on teenagers and adults in terms of lack of employment, social issues, legal troubles, health issues and mental and behavioral issues. The following measures should be taken to address the drug problem in Everett;
Community-based treatment/recover initiative; this is a method used in helping teenagers and adults affected by drug use. The method involves providing care and services where health specialists and social service providers coordinate in identifying and meeting the patients' needs. They also coordinate in assisting the patients' families that have been affected by the drug problems. In Everett, many addicts are homeless and suffering from mental illness (UNODC, 1). Police and other community agencies are joining hands to rescue these addicts by establishing enforcement teams who are supported by the nonprofit organization and private donors in offering long-term treatment and combating the opioid crisis. In addition to this strategy, agencies should establish a collaborative housing setting where the homeless and mentally ill addicts will receive treatment and more importantly, change attitude, behaviors and build social relationships (UNODC, 1).
Transparency and accountability; this approach belong to the pharmaceutical industries in Everett. For instance, the Purdue Pharma in Everett is a private company with financial success as a result of selling Oxycontin (Craig, 1). These industries should have transparency, and this will help them consider ethics. Through transparency, pharmaceutical industries will be accountable for their actions. To ensure transparency and accountability, the pharmaceutical sectors should adhere to standard treatment guidelines. The registration authority should establish a regulatory system with a legal and regulatory framework for measuring transparency (Craig, 1).
Prevention services: this approach means that the government should address the cause of the drug crisis (UNODC, 1). For example, the research has shown that teenagers and adults in Everett started abusing prescription opioids and the users moved to heroin. The government needs to prevent the teenagers and adults from abusing opioids, and this should start by establishing policies that limit the opioid prescription. Doctors who prescribe more than required opioids should be incarcerated.
Address social and psychological issues; teenagers and adults engage in drug abuse due to economic despair, social isolation, and mental health probes. For these people to stop abusing drugs, they should be connected to other alternatives to living a meaningful life. There should be job opportunities and other motivational incentives which will help the addicts change mind and focus on positive reinforcement (Independent Staff, 1).
Education/prevention programs: education is very important as it will educate the users as well as the families on the consequences of drug use such as effects on the mind and body. Education should also encompass counseling where users and families understand the potential damage and how to live a meaningful life without using drugs (Rozier, 1). Through education, the addicts will stop abusing drugs and be reunited with their families. Since knowledge is power, the government should be involved in educating the citizen through social media, community outreach and complains. The aim of the education is to help people make informed decisions and live a meaningful life.
Conclusion
Drug epidemic is a big issue that has affected the individual, families and the community. The problem has not only affect Everett, but it is across America, in both urban and rural areas. Teenagers and adults have engaged in drug abuse where they abuse opioid prescription and heroin to release pain and for recreational use. Drug abuse has caused devastating effects on the individuals, health, community as well as public health. To address the problem, the community should be on the front line to provide community-based treatment. Also, the government should play a role in funding the agencies responsible for community outreach. The agency will educate people on the effect of the drug and help them engage in constructive things.
Work cited
Craig Kenneth. In the battle against opioids, one city blames drug makers. CBS NEWS, 2017.
Retrieved from: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/everett-washington-battleground-of-the-opioid-crisis-tries-to-curb-narcotic-painkillers/
Boyuette Chria., &Feyerick Deb. ‘The meat and potatoes’ of fighting drugs. CNN, 2014
Retried from: https://edition.cnn.com/2014/08/26/us/chelsea-heroin-epidemic/index.html
Independent Staff. Street Heroin Reported to be Getting Stronger. Everett Massachusetts Newspaper, 2016
Retrieved from: http://www.everettindependent.com/2016/10/28/street-heroin-reported-to-be-getting-stronger/
Rozier Alex. Everett creativity address drug problem. K5 NEWS, 2017
Retrieved from: http://www.king5.com/article/news/local/everett-creatively-address-drug-problem/447316353
Associated Press., & Hopperstand John. Mentally ill, drug-addicted homeless pose challenge or Everett. Q13 FOX NEW, 2017
Retrieve from; http://q13fox.com/2017/12/13/mentally-ill-drug-addicted-homeless-pose-challenge-for-everett/
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ( UNODC). Community Based Treatment and Care for Drug Use and Dependence.
Retrieved from: https://www.unodc.org/documents/southeastasiaandpacific/cbtx/cbtx_brief_EN.pdf
Ryan Harriet,.Glover Sctoo., Girion Lisa. How black-market OxyContin spurred a town’s descent into crime, addiction and heartbreak. New York Times Investigation, 2016
Retrieved from: http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-me-oxycontin-everett/
