Why are opioid analgesics so widely abused?

FINAL ESSAY ASSIGNMENT: INTRO TO BIOPSYCHOLOGY FALL 2021

Watch at least the first episode of the series Do No Harm: The Opioid Epidemic, available through the library: https://uccs.kanopy.com/video/do-no-harm-odyssey-ignorance-greed(Links to an external site.), and read the article, “A Review of the Opioid Epidemic: What Do We Do About It Download A Review of the Opioid Epidemic: What Do We Do About It?”.

Then, using material from the film, the assigned article, your book, other scientific sources if you wish, and your own perspective, answer all parts of the following questions in no more than 8 double-spaced pages:

Over the last decade, there has been an increasing awareness of opioid dependence among the general public. Prescription drug abuse is sometimes called an epidemic or crisis. Given this occurrence please address the following questions:

Why are opioid analgesics so widely abused? Discuss what you learned about the biopsychological processes that lead to drug dependence from this class and your readings.
Specifically, how does opioid dependence affect the nervous system to establish and increase dependence? Be sure to include information about the physiology and behavioral aspects of drug tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal.
What kind of impact on learning and memory does opioid dependence have? Give a specific example.
Are there societal issues or issues with the medical industry that have contributed, in your opinion, to this growing problem?
Finally, are there any solutions you can imagine that could help alleviate this epidemic?
Remember, spelling, grammar, and writing count, so please proofread, and although this does not need to be in APA format, please include a reference list and cite your sources. I will hold a couple of optional help sessions about this assignment before the due date if you have questions.

Link for the video https://uccs.kanopy.com/product/odyssey-ignorance-greed
username avo2@uccs.edu
pw: Ashleymivo992910

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