Substance Abuse And The United States - 1210 Words

Substance abuse is a very current problem in the United States. Opiate addiction is a particularly difficult problem in the State of Vermont where the abuse of prescription opioids has created addictions for many individuals. The problem of substance abuse has severe repercussions that may encompass severe dependence and overdose.1 Substance abuse is an epidemic that cannot be ignored. However, the combined forces of over-prescription, addiction and subsequent unemployment may mean that coverage for treatment for opioid addiction is not guaranteed even with increased Medicaid access through the Affordable care Act (ACA). In March of 2010, the ground-breaking healthcare law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was†¦show more content†¦This allowance was designed to reimburse providers for treatment services they provide to patients.3 The PPCA also mandated that insured individuals have a primary care provider and associated medical home, but may primary care providers remain inexperienced about substance abuse, opioid abuse and their associated effects, which is challenging when caring for patients.4 For one young individual, life after incarceration seemed daunting. Exposure to an environment with a high incidence of substance abuse in Vermont, had resulted on a cycle of addiction that was hard to break. However limitations to treatment, even that offered by Medicaid for low-income individuals was a problem. In addition, the subsequent threat of re-exposure to opioid use upon re-entering a community where substance abuse remained a problem, made thoughts of the future post incarceration, even more challenging. There was no guarantee that treatment would be available upon release and how expedient and accessible this treatment would be. As a result, the prospects of long-term recovery appeared impossible. Many opioids are initially prescribed for pain management, but for many patients, the intake of opioids then becomes an addiction that