Schneider feels that people need to be told just how dangerous these drugs really are, with fentanyl being the main culprit. The public’s perception of addiction has played a major part in this way of thinking as in the past, people would get addicted from experimenting non- stop until staying on one drug. Schneider states that people are getting addicted to opiates after receiving legal prescriptions from their doctors for pain, thus starting a chain reaction because they have no other option but to take that drug to relieve their pain. When it comes to how this epidemic can be combated, Schneider believes that there are three types of people: • Those who Watch Things Happen • Those who Make Things Happen • Those who say, “What Happened?” People who watch things happen do so from a distance. They have no real connection to the issue, but rather watch the event play out and
make their own assumptions about the issue based on an outsider’s perspective. People who make things happen take a very hands- on approach to the issue. They watch the issue occur and then feel the need to do something about it in order to right the wrong. These are people who want change in their community or just in the world in general and ensure that they are doing something to kickstart that change. People who fit into the “what happened?” group are oblivious to the issue or simply do not have a vested interest in issues surrounded the community as a whole. It is not that they want no part in the issue at the start, but rather that they are late the party and thus make the decision to stay unaware about any given issue. Schneider feels that if society can begin to move toward becoming people who make things happen, then the battle against opioid addiction can begin to take a turn for the better. Ways to make things happen can vary from making a phone call or sending an email to a congressman!
CPhT CONNECT www.pharmacy technician.org
19
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker