Mindset and Opioid Use Disorder Treatment: A Mathematical Model

Abstract

In this paper, we develop an epidemic model to mimic the drug using career by including  five compartments: susceptible, using, assertive respondent, passive respondent, and recovered. An active response is an open mindset and a receptiveness to help from others while a  passive response is defined by a closed mindset and the belief that accepting help from others  in the treatment process is not necessary. While these descriptions of mindsets are qualitative, we distinguish between the two by using HELP4WV data. We derive equilibrium solutions, conduct the stability analysis, and propose a basic reproduction number, R0. Our results show that even in the conservative scenario that relapses were eliminated from many groups, the key strategy to combat the opioid crisis is to prevent individuals from developing an opioid use disorder.