Singer’s memoir detailing opioid use disorder evokes praise and criticism
Posts debunked myths about accidental fentanyl exposure and discussed methadone access during emergencies.
Posts debunked myths about accidental fentanyl exposure and discussed methadone access during emergencies.
This past week, social media users reacted to Lisa Marie Presley’s posthumously published memoir, which highlighted the singer’s experience with opioid use disorder, with some posts perpetuating stigma toward people who use drugs. In other discussion, posts debunked the false claim that people who perform CPR on someone who is overdosing can experience the effects of fentanyl. Social media users also discussed how clinics that administer methadone handle natural disasters that may affect their ability to operate.
These conversations provide an opportunity to recirculate information about what substance use disorder is, share tips for reducing stigma toward people with SUD, debunk myths about the risk of accidental fentanyl exposure, and share information about how people can access methadone during clinic closures.
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What’s trending nationally in conversations about opioids
On October 8, the memoir of singer Lisa Marie Presley was posthumously published, detailing her struggles with OUD after she was prescribed opioids following a C-section. In the past week, several news articles and social media posts discussed the book. One Facebook post from Fox News sharing an article about Presley’s memoir garnered approximately 1,600 reactions, 150 shares, and 1,100 comments as of October 17. Many comments applauded the memoir for reducing stigma toward people with OUD and questioned why doctors prescribe opioids to patients who may become addicted. However, some expressed stigmatizing attitudes toward people with OUD, stating that Presley chose to harm herself with drugs and should have sought therapy instead.
Earlier this month, Mississippi’s attorney general said on a radio show that the state is training police officers to not give CPR to people who appear to be overdosing due to unsubstantiated concerns about accidental fentanyl exposure. An X post shared a clip from the radio show on October 4, garnering approximately 253,000 views, 40 likes, 60 reposts, and 40 comments as of October 17. Most comments attempted to debunk the myth that people can experience the effects of fentanyl through touch or by accidentally inhaling a small amount.
On October 9, a Facebook post questioned how people who use methadone to treat OUD can receive treatment during a hurricane, as methadone can typically only be dispensed at opioid treatment programs. The post received approximately 560 reactions, 80 shares, and 450 comments as of October 17. Many comments stated that these clinics provide some people with multiple take-home doses. One comment mentioned that the clinic she used to visit shared alternate locations in case of clinic closures. Some comments expressed stigmatizing attitudes toward people who use methadone to treat OUD, stating they should just “get clean” so that they will not have to worry about methadone access.
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
Recommendations for public health professionals
Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about opioids.
In response to posts perpetuating stigma against people with OUD, messaging may emphasize that OUD and other SUDs are chronic health issues that can happen to anyone, and they can be managed. Emphasizing how harm reduction programs prevent overdose deaths and help people with SUD lead healthier lives is recommended. Communicators may also want to share tips for reducing stigma toward those with SUD. Ensuring that all materials covering SUD avoid stigmatizing language is recommended.
Conversations about accidental fentanyl exposure provide an opportunity to clarify that while fentanyl is a dangerous opioid that is involved in the majority of overdose deaths, you cannot overdose on fentanyl by touching it or by accidentally inhaling a small amount. If a person is showing signs of an opioid overdose, bystanders should first call 911 and administer naloxone. Multiple doses of naloxone may be needed in order to reverse overdose symptoms. Bystanders should follow the 911 operator’s guidance and only perform CPR if instructed to do so.
In light of concerns about methadone access during natural disasters, messaging may emphasize that people taking methadone to treat OUD can talk to their heath care provider about take-home doses if clinic closures are expected. People may also be able to get prescriptions for methadone via telehealth or receive treatment at their local hospital’s emergency department. Additional messaging may emphasize that medication for opioid use disorder, including methadone, is a safe and effective way to treat OUD.