[Re: https://www.hifa.org/dgroups-rss/opioid-drugs-22-do-people-understand-he... ]
Dear Neil, Thank you very much for raising such an important public health issue regarding opioid use. On this matter, there is very little awareness among both users and prescribers. The misuse of opioids and sedatives often leads to more critical health situations, yet we remain largely in the dark.
I personally know individuals who have been using sleeping pills for the last 15–20 years, and many of them now claim they cannot remember what they said earlier. This illustrates how long-term dependence can quietly erode health and quality of life without adequate guidance or monitoring.
After reading your email, I was convinced that awareness is a vital issue that public health practitioners should lead. Unfortunately, we are not receiving this message from health professionals, which leaves communities vulnerable.
A few key points stand out in your message:
• Lack of awareness: Both patients and prescribers often underestimate the risks of long-term use.
• Hidden consequences: Memory impairment and other cognitive issues can emerge gradually, leaving people “in the dark.”
• Leadership gap: Public health professionals should be at the forefront of awareness campaigns, yet the message isn’t reaching communities.
Your reflections highlight the urgent need for stronger advocacy and awareness initiatives. I deeply appreciate your effort in bringing this issue forward.
Warm regards,
Shahidul Haque (Ashoka Fellow)
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
SARPV
Address: House No: 274/4, 3rd Floor.
South Monipur, (60 Feet Road) .
Mirpur. Dhaka-1216
Telephone no: +88-02-226622022, 02-226622023 and 02-226622024
Email: shahidul@sarpv.org shahidul.sarpv@gmail.com, shahidul@sarpv.org.bd
Web :// www.sarpv.org
"Please do not treat the human being with their impairment treat with their ability"
HIFA profile: Md. Shahidul Haque is Chief Executive of Social Assistance and Rehabilitation for the Physically Vulnerable (SARPV) in Bangladesh. Professional interests: As we are working since 1992 to reduce childhood disability at an early stage and in some cases trying to prevent children with disabilities from Nutritional Rickets Disease. Email address: Shahidul.sarpv AT gmail.com