TAKE 3 W/ SLP, October 2022
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“Take 3 w/SLP” is Sober Linings Playbook’s monthly summary of three stories we think deserve a closer look. Along with a bit of commentary, we include links to additional resources for readers interested in learning more about the topics. The three topics this month are:
The “Rainbow” fentanyl scare
Notes from an opioid awareness summit
The Joe Biden voicemail to a struggling Hunter Biden
1. The kids are alright (?!)
In terms of headline frequency and column inches, the big story of October 2022 in the world of addiction, recovery and drug policy was “rainbow fentanyl.” Stories in Fox News (and plenty of other outlets) quoted policy makers of all political stripes warning parents of the risk of multi-colored pressed pills laced with fentanyl ending up in trick-or-treat baskets.
What are the experts saying? On a positive note, the general consensus among credible experts seems to be that drug dealers are not targeting trick-or-treating youth with rainbow-colored pills (see, for example, Is 'rainbow fentanyl' a threat to your kids this Halloween? Experts say no - NPR Oct. 11, 2022). On the flip side, however, even though adults still make up the majority of overdose deaths (and black and brown males disproportionately), youths in the U.S. are the fastest growing group when it comes to overdose deaths (see Fentanyl overdose: US teens fastest growing group to die - BBC Oct. 15).
To me, the rainbow fentanyl trick-or-treating scare is a bit “reefer madness” meets the perennial urban legends about risks lurking in the annual Halloween candy haul. When the very real and deadly danger of fentanyl is scary enough, it baffles the mind that so many myths have emerged (e.g., overdose by skin contact, naloxone resistance, etc.).
For the straight dope on fentanyl, check out the Real Deal on Fentanyl campaign. This Ad Council-led public awareness campaign is aimed at young people and parents. It was developed with input from experts, drug dealers and youth, and was crafted to deliver effective messages that emphasize education and facts over fear.
2. Sacramento Opioid Awareness Summit
Earlier this month, I attended an “Opioid Awareness Summit” on the beautiful California State University, Sacramento campus. The aim of the all-day conference was to provide parents and educators with information about the risks of opioids and strategies to prevent and treat overdoses and opioid use disorders (see Sac State conference draws hundreds of educators, public health experts to raise awareness of opioid abuse - CSUS, Oct. 13, 2022).
Prevention experts talked about the importance of emphasizing education and facts over fear to reach youth. An emergency room doctor from a local teaching hospital delivered an information-packed presentation on the benefits of making buprenorphine/Suboxone widely and freely available, and of the need to remove current barriers that make it far more difficult to prescribe the life- saving medications to treat opioid use disorders than to prescribe opioids.
Several speakers emphasized the need to distribute the overdose-reversing naloxone (brand name Narcan) widely. Narcan nasal spray was provided to every participant in a conference goody bag. [Note: To anyone looking for Narcan and having difficulty obtaining it through the Dr. office or pharmacy, I recommend dropping in on any local conference on drug addiction and treatment or call a local harm reduction organization. Or send me a message at gboyken@gmail.com…I’ll hook you up!]
3. “It’s Dad. I called to tell you I love you.”
Reported originally as a Fox News “gotcha” story, news about a leaked voicemail from then-vice president Joe Biden to his son Hunter is making the rounds. Experts praise Biden for showing compassion and concern for a loved one struggling with addiction. According to Newsweek, the message included Biden telling his son, "It's Dad. I called to tell you I love you. I love you more than the whole world, pal. You gotta get some help. I know you don't know what to do. I don't either" (Joe Biden’s voicemail to Hunter Biden is a “wonderful example,” Newsweek - Oct. 13, 2022).
To me, this brief message hits all the right notes. I think it’s exactly the sentiment from a loved one many of us who have struggled with addiction might have wanted, or needed, but didn’t receive.
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Wishing all a happy and safe Halloween. Back with more in November.
Sober Linings Playbook