Bioethics in Faith and Practice, Volume 4, Number 1

36 Bioethics, the Law, and the Opioid Crisis development of abusive tendencies as well as for overdoses, yet the insurance industry has chosen not to market for these formulations at all. 20 This kind of a focus points to a focus from industry toward profitability and cost-containment rather than toward true patient care and risk assessment. What’s worse is that in this context, these tactics in the end did not make the insurance companies any more money than they might have made before because the overdoses and addiction cases caused by the use of “normal” formulary drugs continued to raise hospital stay costs and the costs of other interventions. While many institutions that deal with addicts and the opioid are required to fight for patient benefit and care, it seems that in many ways other institutions only fight for themselves and completely ignore the need that is present in potential abusers lives. It has been shown that incarceration alone is not the solution for the opioid crisis. Whether utilizing incarceration with better prevention and treatment methods, or completely decriminalizing illicit substances and focusing completely on treatment, the truth is that the focus must lie solely on the individual struggling with the disease of addiction, not on their action of using. As long as that kind of a respect for an individual’s needs are retained, the opioid crisis has a chance to improve. Conclusion The Bible is clear in many places that we are to remain sober and clear-minded in all areas of life. 1 Peter 1:13 says that we are to remain alert and fully sober, so that we can be fully focused on Christ and His return. While the Bible says that there are no temptations that will push us beyond what we can bear (1 Cor. 10:13), it’s clear that we need to have a more integrated approach if we are going to fight against the opioid crisis. In this same vein, we have to find ways to address the issue before it becomes one. 20 Ibid.