SUBSTANCE USE AND DEPENDENCE
Journalistic coverage can blur the distinction between "addiction" and "dependence," leading to misconceptions about opioid use. Addiction is marked by compulsive behavior despite negative consequences, whereas dependence is a physical response to prolonged medication use. Fear-based narratives and stigmatizing language can harm patients who rely on opioids for improved quality of life.
News stories often focus on severe cases of drug use, creating a skewed perception of addiction. In reality, drug use rates are stable, and most users do not develop severe addiction. Many people recover without formal treatment, and narratives centered only on abstinence can be misleading. Balanced reporting should capture the full range of experiences and factors at play.
Labeling the current crisis as an "opioid epidemic" narrows focus to opioids, overlooking other drugs involved in overdoses. While powerful opioids like illicit fentanyls are significant, many overdose deaths result from polysubstance use, including stimulants, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. Public understanding and reporting should shift to viewing it as an "overdose crisis" to encompass the broader issue and promote more effective solutions.
The term "codependence" often frames the natural impulse to help a loved one as problematic, promoting detachment as a solution. However, codependence is not a real medical diagnosis and has no formal criteria. Supporting a loved one with compassion and practical measures, such as providing safe housing and overdose reversal drugs, is more effective than isolation.
Explore and reconsider prevalent narratives surrounding substance use and dependence, including distinctions between addiction and dependence, substance use disorder, and issues related to polysubstance use and codependence. This section provides essential resources and insights to equip reporters with a comprehensive understanding of these multifaceted topics, ensuring they can report with nuance and accuracy.