Call to Action on Addiction by the Surgeon General of the United States

Reducing the Stigma of Addiction

One large issue that the Surgeon General’s report on addiction broached was the public viewpoint.  There is an absolute stigma about addiction within our society, and this causes many to have a very negative viewpoint of addiction and those struggling with it.  Murthy addresses the fact that within our contemporary society addiction is viewed as a moral failure rather than a health issue.  People look at addicts with shame and disdain, rather than viewing addiction as a health condition that needs to be treated.  The surgeon general urges a shift from this viewpoint.  He calls for looking at addiction more as a health issue, which would include screening for addiction during routine doctor appointments.  This would allow more individuals who are struggling to be helped sooner.  It also would provide more preventative means to catch addiction before it goes further downhill.  He compares other conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and the fact that the treatment for these is not held off until it is full blown as is done with addiction.

A large reason that many do not seek treatment, even when they realize they need it is due to the negative public opinion of addiction.  They feel that they may be berated or shamed by the public and their loved ones for being an addict.

The Surgeon General’s Report on Addiction Addresses Various Drugs

An important distinction in his report in comparison to others that have been done is the wide scope of it.  Many reports focus on a single type of substance and the prevalence of it, such as opiates.  But Murthy goes on to address addiction overall, including drugs and alcohol.  Although opiates have been one of the larger growing issues, that is not the only addictive substance that people are struggling with.  Addiction overall is a progressing issue for our country, not just a single substance.