In Module 3, we watched the PBS Frontline Documentary, Opioids Inc., which takes a glimpse at the opioid epidemic in the United States. With the rise of prescription opioid drugs in the1990s, the U.S. began seeing increasing drug overdose deaths related to opioids. More recent data reveals that 75% of overdose deaths in 2021 involved an opioid. In addition to the Opioids Inc. documentary, review the TN Drug Overdose Data that shows the most recent data for the state of TN in relation to drug overdoses.
As we consider all of this information, I also want you to review the social patterns and sociological explanations of drug use (as discussed in our chapter readings).
Reflection Paper Instructions: In response to the Opioids, Inc. documentary, utilize some of the sociological explanations of drug use to discuss the reasons behind the opioid epidemic in the U.S. Provide a reflection on how this drug epidemic impacts various social institutions in the U.S. Discuss the social patterns related to drug use and identify who, in terms of their sociodemographic backgrounds, are more or less at risk for using drugs. Provide 3-4 pieces of data on drug overdoses in the state of TN. You are encouraged to use the data dashboard to search for data in your county or to examine the various regions in TN. Explore the data and discuss. Finally, discuss 1 of the proposed ways to reduce drug use that you believe is successful.
Formatting guidelines: Make sure your paper is around 3 pages in length. Double-spaced. 1-inch margins, Size 12 Times New Roman or Calibri font style. This is a personal reflection (more like an essay), not a research paper. Outside sources are not needed and shouldn’t be used except to discuss the documentary and article that are included in this assignment. Our text explains the individualistic and structural explanations of poverty, so feel free to use our text to assist in your understanding and discussion of these concepts. I suggest that you save your file as a PDF prior to submission into the Dropbox. This often ensures no changes to your formatting occurs once the file is uploaded and opened for review and grading.
