Examining the surge in psychotropic drug usage raises questions about whether the U.S. mental health practices appropriately address root causes of distress.
Quick Takes
- Opioid deaths are rising with new patterns in the opioids used.
- Nearly 108,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in 2022, with 82,000 involving opioids.
- Psychotropic medication usage increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting a reactive approach to mental health.
- Calls are growing for comprehensive care models incorporating trauma-informed practices.
Escalating Opioid Crisis
Since 1999, opioid-involved deaths significantly increased, featuring three distinct waves of fatalities over 25 years. The first wave began in the 1990s with increased prescription opioid use. A second wave in 2010 was marked by rising heroin-related deaths, while the third wave in 2013 saw a surge in synthetic opioid fatalities, particularly fentanyl. In 2022, opioid deaths remained stable relative to 2021, yet the opioids involved have shifted dramatically.
Nearly 108,000 drug overdose deaths were reported in 2022, with approximately 82,000 involving opioids. The increasing intersection of opioid and stimulant use—comprising nearly 43% of overdose deaths—compounds the public health crisis. A staggering 4% increase in synthetic opioid-driven deaths contrasts with a 36% decrease in heroin fatalities and a 12% decline in prescription opioids since 2021.
Addressing Overmedication
With nearly one in four U.S. adults taking psychotropic medications, concerns about neglecting the psychiatric illness root causes deepen. Psychotropic drugs have become a long-term fixture without clear exit strategies. Their increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic further highlights the need for a proactive, rather than reactive, mental health approach.
Discontinuation of psychiatric medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms and emotional destabilization, compounded by the lack of structured guidance in the U.S. The American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology is currently advancing guidelines for the safe cessation of these medications to mitigate these issues.
Advocating for Holistic Care
A shift in prioritizing prevention, personalization, and better patient outcomes is needed within the U.S. holistic care model. The Inner Compass Initiative champions considering the biopsychosocial facets of suffering, urging integration of more comprehensive care models. Systematic obstacles include a healthcare system ill-equipped to support medication reduction and brief “med management” visits.
The call for intelligent prescribing and compassionate deprescribing to improve U.S. mental health care is growing. Emphasizing recovery-oriented conversations and comprehensive treatment plans would address trauma, integrating healing relationships, safety, and purpose into healthcare models to foster genuine recovery.
