The Ethical Healthpreneur

#2 of 40 Drug addiction is a serious and complex problem that affects millions of people around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 269 million people used drugs in 2018, and 35.6 million suffered from drug use disorders. (1) Drug addiction can cause physical, mental, social, and economic harm to individuals, families, and communities. It can also increase the risk of infectious diseases, violence, crime, and overdose deaths. Honestly, I thought there would be more people than that. Take away the radically religious places (cough Dubai)....I just thought there would be more than 269 million. For a size reference, the entire US population is 330 million.  While there are many factors that contribute to drug addiction, such as genetic, psychological, environmental, and cultural influences, one of the major drivers of the current drug crisis is the pharmaceutical industry. The pharmaceutical industry is responsible for developing, producing, and marketin

let's discuss how the current taxation system may not adequately protect individuals like James, exacerbating the challenges they face and potentially setting them up for failure.  James, a person grappling with dual diagnosis, encounters numerous hurdles on his path to recovery and stability. Unfortunately, the existing taxation system often fails to provide the necessary support and resources to help individuals in his situation overcome these obstacles. One significant issue is the unequal burden of taxes on individuals with limited financial means, including those struggling with mental health disorders and substance abuse. The current system often fails to account for the additional financial strain faced by individuals seeking treatment and support for their dual diagnosis. The high costs associated with therapy, medications, and specialized care can quickly become overwhelming, further exacerbating their financial instability. Moreover, the limited availability of affordab

A Personal Story of Dual Diagnosis Meet John. John is a 35-year-old veteran who served in Iraq for two tours. He witnessed horrific scenes of violence and death, and lost some of his closest friends in combat. When he returned home, he suffered from nightmares, flashbacks, and guilt. He felt detached from his family and friends, and had trouble adjusting to civilian life. He started drinking heavily to cope with his pain and numb his emotions. He soon developed an alcohol use disorder, which worsened his PTSD symptoms. He felt hopeless and suicidal. John is one of the millions of people who struggle with dual diagnosis, a term that refers to the co-occurrence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. What is Dual Diagnosis? According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 9.5 million adults in the U.S. had both a mental illness and a substance use disorder in 2019. This means that nearly one in four people with a mental illness