STAT

Opinion: ‘Angels in America’ again: It’s time to humanize addiction

Addiction is a disease, not a choice. Getting rid of the stigma will help lead the way to better treatment.

One of the most sought-after tickets on Broadway these days is “Angels in America,” a revival of Tony Kushner’s seminal play about the AIDS crisis and its aftermath. While only a few of us will be fortunate enough to see the show in person, everyone can benefit from the following insight: When the play originally debuted in 1991, HIV/AIDS was considered a death sentence and slapped with a stigma that isolated and ostracized those with the disease and their families. The same type of stigma is happening now with substance abuse and the opioid epidemic.

Since 1991, we have learned how to treat, humanize, and support those with HIV/AIDS so they

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from STAT

STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About MDMA For PTSD, A CRISPR Treatment For Blindness, And More
An FDA advisory panel will deliberate on June 4 whether to recommend approval for the first MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About MorphoSys Drug Risks, An AstraZeneca Admission, And More
MorphoSys is dealing with a safety issue with pelabresib, the experimental treatment for myelofibrosis and centerpiece of its proposed $3 billion acquisition by Novartis.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About An Amgen Obesity Drug, A Senate Bill On Shortages, And More
Amgen will no longer develop an early-stage obesity pill, and will instead focus on a more advanced injectable candidate to compete with Wegovy and Zepbound.

Related Books & Audiobooks