The Wednesday Weekly - Addiction + Recovery News, November 24, 2021
Brought to you by Sober Linings Playbook and Recovery in the Middle Ages Podcast
Highlights
National
CDC reports 100,000 overdose deaths in first year of pandemic, fentanyl a major contributor | Biden “drug czar” wants to expand medication assisted treatment (MAT) | Hawaii river runs 1.2% percent ABV
State and Local
NY Gov. Hochul announces $2 million for addiction treatment services | Maryland officials call for expanding MAT | First Illinois non-alcoholic brewery to open in Naperville
Studies/Research in the News
Researchers uncover link between nicotine withdrawal and junk food cravings | Alcohol found to cause nightmares and sleep apnea | Report finds physicians using telehealth miss signs of addiction | Psilocybin cuts alcohol cravings in rats
Opinion
Overdose deaths a racial justice issue | Promising signs amidst record overdose deaths
Reviews
Read this book! Urbandale, IA school district considers banning addiction memoir ‘Hey Kiddo’ | Film review: ‘Josiah’ chronicles young man’s struggle with SUD | Book review: Mixed martial artist Tom DeBlass’ new memoir, ‘How You Bear it’
Podcasts
Tips for surviving the holidays sober from This Naked Mind and RMA | Director Erin Lee Carr (‘Britney vs. Spears’) on Dopey | Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke on Rehab Confidential | Boxer Mia St. John on Heart of the Matter | Addiction treatment pioneer Dr. Joseph Volpicelli on The Addicted Mind
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(Inter)National
How fentanyl became an American crisis
Overdose deaths rose by nearly 29 percent to 100,306 in a 12-month time frame ending in April, and synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, accounted for around 75 percent of the deaths.
The Hill - Nov. 22, 2021
‘It’s devastating’: how fentanyl is unfolding as one of America’s greatest tragedies
More than 100,000 people died from overdoses in a single year – driven primarily by one drug.
The Guardian - Nov. 22, 2021
Why people with mental illness are at higher risk of COVID
The decision to prioritize people with psychiatric diagnoses in the early rollout of boosters came after a growing number of studies linked mental health disorders with higher risk of both COVID-19 infection and of serious outcomes.
NPR - Nov. 22, 2021
4 Ways To Be More Considerate Of Sober People During The Holidays
Hosting a gathering this season? Here's how to make it more comfortable for those who don't drink or who are in recovery.
Huffington Post - Nov. 22, 2021
Tips to help you stay sober during the holiday season
The holidays can be very stressful. Here are 4 tips to help keep your sobriety in check.
Louisville Courier Journal - Nov. 22, 2021
Fatty liver disease: Signs of alcohol-related disease include feeling sick and weight loss
Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) refers to liver damage caused by excess alcohol intake. The number of people with the condition has been increasing over the last few decades, and signs may be hard to spot at first.
Express.co.uk - Nov. 20, 2021
Sporting Chance: Inside the clinic helping professional athletes tackle extreme addiction
This is the Sporting Chance clinic, where for 26 days four current or former sports professionals are treated for extreme addiction. Privacy is paramount here – it’s so private that Google Street View ends well before you reach it – and I have been granted extraordinarily rare access to a place where most who use it would prefer you not to know.
iNews UK - Nov. 20, 2021
The dark history of opioids and addiction in the United States
The opioid crisis in the United States is a modern problem with a long history. That crisis stems from powerful legal drugs that interact with receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain.
Fox29 San Antonio - Nov. 19, 2021
How you can help people with addiction after watching Dopesick
A particularly powerful moment in Dopesick's final episode arrives when Sister Beth Davies (played by Meagan Fay) refuses Purdue Pharma's hush money in order to keep trying to help the people affected by addiction in her region. And now, the real-life Sister Beth Davies is asking for help.
EW.com - Nov. 19, 2021
Germany to Legalize Marijuana, Increase Harm Reduction Services
Party leaders in Germany’s incoming government coalition have reached an agreement to legalize marijuana nationwide. The legalization legislation is expected to be introduced during the upcoming legislative session. It will also provide broader drug harm reduction services and restrict advertising of tobacco and alcohol, along with cannabis.
Filter Magazine - Nov. 19, 2021
Stacy Keach says prison stint cured his cocaine addiction
“Mike Hammer” star Stacy Keach called his 1985 prison stint the “lowest point” in his life, but his time in the slammer cured his cocaine addiction.
PageSix.com - Nov. 19, 2021
Biden's drug czar wants to expand use of addiction medication
The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) develops and coordinates efforts to reduce drug addiction. It has a new leader, Rahul Gupta, who has led that office for a little over two weeks and will have a ceremonial swearing in at the White House today. In a wide-ranging interview, Gupta said the administration is considering permanently easing long-standing restrictions on telemedicine and a medication used to treat opioid addiction.
Washington Post - Nov. 18, 2021
Why Heineken says it will never get into the world of high alcohol content beers
Heineken (HKHHY) has been selling 0.0% alcohol beer since 2019, but the company says it will never go the other way and get into the world of high alcohol content beer. “There's a beautiful side of our industry but there's also the side where people imbibe too much or they have the disease where they can't stop drinking and they become alcoholics,” Timoney said in the latest episode of Influencers with Andy Serwer. “I've grown up where you see the dark side of alcohol.”
Yahoo! Finance - Nov. 18, 2021
White House Press Release: Building Back Better Together: A Secure, Prosperous North America
The press release includes the text of a Joint Statement by North American Leaders: In the United States, we have surpassed the heartrending number of 100,000 drug overdose deaths in a 12-month period. This impact is also seen in Canada, with nearly 7,000 apparent opioid toxicity deaths from April 2020 to March 2021, representing an 88 percent increase from the same time period prior to the pandemic.
White House - Nov. 18, 2021
So you've watched 'Dopesick'. Here's what you can do to help ease the opioid crisis
What follows are quotes from members of the Twitter Spaces panel discussing Dopesick — the Hulu limited series that portrays the opioid epidemic — and outlining some of the challenges deepening this crisis, with suggestions on how to get involved and help out.
NPR - Nov. 18, 2021
Why Blake Lively Doesn't Drink and Her Tip for Still Getting the 'Flavor Experience' At Parties
Blake Lively recently founded her own line of non-alcoholic mixers, Betty Buzz.
People - Nov. 18, 2021
River in Hawaii that smells like beer discovered to be alcoholic
Residents of a town in Hawaii alerted authorities to a river that allegedly smelled like beer, and turned out to be 1.2 per cent alcoholic after testing.
The Independent - Nov. 17, 2021
Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. have topped 100,000 for the first time
More than 100,000 people died over a 12-month period from fatal drug overdoses for the first time in U.S. history, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
NPR - Nov. 17, 2021
Overdose Deaths Reached Record High as the Pandemic Spread
Americans died of overdoses in record numbers as the pandemic spread across the country, federal researchers reported on Wednesday.
NY Times, Nov. 17, 2021
Mike Tyson Says He Smokes Toad Venom As Much As 3 Times In A Day
The former heavyweight boxing champ said the psychedelic has had a positive impact.
Huffington Post - Nov. 17, 2021
Program giving out free cannabis to help opioid users in London, Ont., met with skepticism
Cannabis Substitution Program in London, similar initiatives in Halifax and Vancouver. The Cannabis Substitution Program is a volunteer-run organization that hands out free cannabis and cannabis edibles to people who use drugs. The group claims "high-dose" edibles — as much as 100 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) served in baked goods — can serve as a treatment and replacement for opioids and other drugs.
CBC News - Nov. 16, 2021
National State and Local Studies in the News Opinion Reviews Podcasts Comments
State / Local
New York Gov. Hochul announces $2 million in addiction services to fight against opioid crisis
New York State has secured $2 million in federal funds to help in the fight against the opioid crisis. The funds were provided by the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program to support addiction services. The money will be used in establishing Mobile Medication Units (MMUs) to dispense medications to treat substance use disorders, including methadone and buprenorphine.
News10 - Nov. 19, 2021
As San Francisco pursues drug-use sites, people battling addiction weigh in: ‘You think we like being out here like this?’
San Francisco Chronicle - Nov. 19, 2021
Maryland substance abuse experts say more access to treatment and medications is essential to combating opioid crisis
After federal researchers released troubling new statistics related to the state of the U.S. opioid epidemic, Maryland doctors and substance use disorder specialists said more widespread access to treatment centers, health care services and lifesaving medications are key to stem the increase in overdose fatalities.
Baltimore Sun - Nov. 19, 2021
Illinois: Go Brewing opening state's first nonalcoholic, low-alcohol brewery in Naperville
Go Brewing is poised to open the state's first nonalcoholic and low-alcohol brewery and taproom early next year in Naperville. "We're focusing on having great tasting beer that elevates your experience with family or friends without having to worry about the health and wellness impact of consuming an alcohol-centric product."
Daily Herald - Nov. 18, 2021
Connecticut health officials warn of spike in fentanyl-laced drug overdoses
The United States hit a grim milestone in the opioid crisis and health officials say one drug is driving the increased deaths seen in Connecticut. An estimated 100,000 Americans died in the last year from overdoses. The Department of Public Health says there were 128 deaths related to fentanyl in Fairfield County alone last year. Health officials say the driver behind this epidemic is fentanyl and even the smallest dose can kill a person.
News12 Connecticut - Nov. 17, 2021
National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Podcasts Comments
Studies/Research in the News
Minnesota researchers uncover why nicotine withdrawal causes junk food cravings
New research from the University of Minnesota-Duluth demonstrates a clear connection between nicotine withdrawal and the desire to consume high-fat, high-calorie “junk foods” that can lead to weight gain.
Minn Post - Nov. 22, 2021
Poppy Seed Tea Gives Melbourne Man Opiate Addiction
High tea took on a new meaning in a recent case study from the Medical Journal of Australia, which describes the curious case of a man who developed a poppy seed tea habit. These little black seeds which sit so innocently on bagels get a little bit spicier when soaked in water, as morphine and other opiates are released. Drinking such a brew can therefore bring on all the symptoms of opiates, including those triggered by withdrawal.
IFL Science - Nov. 22, 2021
How to sleep: Alcohol intake could trigger nightmares and sleep apnea
The connection between food intake and sleep is well established. But there is evidence that some drinks, too, could cause severe disturbances by triggering nightmares and breathing issues.
Express.Co.UK - Nov. 21, 2021
Free-of-charge naloxone would save lives
New research from the Monash Addiction Research Centre and Burnet Institute demonstrates that making the opioid overdose antidote naloxone easily accessible and available free-of-charge to people who are prescribed opioids in Australia would be cost-effective and save hundreds of lives.
Monash University - Nov. 19, 2021
Report finds physicians concerned over missing addiction signs during pandemic
Approximately 70% of physicians feared that they missed signs of drug misuse during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data from Quest Diagnostics.
Healio.com - Nov. 19, 2021
Psychedelic psilocybin cuts cravings and boosts key brain functions in rat models of alcohol use disorder
Alcohol accounts for about 3 million deaths worldwide annually, and there are only four approved drugs to treat alcohol use disorder. Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, has drawn interest as a potential remedy for the disorder, and now a team of German researchers is backing up the idea with intriguing preclinical data.
Fierce Biotech - Nov. 18, 2021
75% of Doctors Worry Telehealth Blocks Visibility Into Addiction Issues
Though telehealth has increased access to care in a myriad of ways, a majority of physicians are worried that it does not give them the full picture of patient health — especially with regard to prescription drug misuse, according to a new report.
mHealth Intelligence - Nov. 18, 2021
National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Podcasts Comments
Opinion
Op-Ed: Surging overdose deaths are a tragic racial justice issue
Drug overdoses, which gained attention in recent years as a “white problem,” are now more common among Black Americans. In 2020, drug overdose death rates among Black Americans overtook those of white Americans for the first time since the 1990s, according to our recent analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
LA Times - Nov. 23, 2021
CDC: Drug Overdose Deaths Reach All-Time High In 2020-2021, But Here Are Some Promising Signs
There have been some progress and hope, though, when it comes to the opioid crisis over the past few years. Various individuals, organizations, and state governments essentially gave up waiting for the Trump Administration to take more action and took their own initiative to tackle the opioid crisis.
Forbes - Nov. 19, 2021
How CEOs Can Help Employees With Addiction In The Family
With mental health in the news now more than ever, this is a great time for your business to take a more active role in educating and supporting the emotional wellness of your employees.
Newsweek - Nov. 15, 2021
National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Podcasts Comments
Reviews
Book Banning: Urbandale, Iowa school committee to review controversial addiction memoir, ‘Hey Kiddo’
KCCI first reported about the memoir, "Hey Kiddo," earlier this month. It's about a child dealing with addiction in his family. One parent says the book contains unnecessary amounts of vulgar language. The Urbandale Community School District released a statement to KCCI that reads: "Urbandale Community School District has received a formal written request for reconsideration of a book. Per Board Policy, a review committee has been established to review the request. The book will remain available pending the outcome of the reconsideration process."
KCCI.com - Nov. 22, 2021
With ‘Josiah,’ filmmaker profiles young man's struggle with substance abuse disorder
The movie — shot in Minnesota and several other states — tells the story of Josiah’s six-year struggle with substance use disorder.
KSTP ABC - Nov. 18, 2021
Fresno nonprofit’s film offers a stark look at opioid addiction
Fresno nonprofit PAIN – Parents & Addicts in Need – has been sharing educational messages since 2009 about the opioid crisis in the Central Valley. The response to “Don’t Hide the Scars” came in a load of emails and phone calls after its Nov. 4 and Nov. 9 showings. While it’s not yet available to re-watch, the trailer can be found here.
The Business Journal - Nov. 16, 2021
Recovery Memoir ‘How You Bear It: Triumph and Resilience in Life’: From childhood abuse to family addiction, fighter Tom DeBlass' road to the ring
“The energy has to go somewhere, and for me it went into sports,” he writes in his new memoir, “How You Bear it: Triumph and Resilience in Life.” In the tome, mixed martial artist DeBlass wrestles with his generational family demons, laying out his complicated but loving relationship with his father, also named Tom, and his rise in the world of mixed martial arts.
NY Post - Nov. 15
National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Podcasts Comments
Podcasts: The Weekly Roundup
This Naked Mind Podcast - Reader question: How do you survive the holidays without alcohol?
It’s the holiday season. Time to celebrate! But how do you enjoy yourself without alcohol if you’re used to drinking at all of your traditional holiday social gatherings? In this week’s reader question, Annie gives four great tips on how to approach your get-togethers with confidence and curiosity without the booze. You may just find that you enjoy yourself a lot more than you used to!
Recovery in the Middle Ages – RMA Guide to Surviving the Holidays and Seasonal Affective Disorder
Ready or not, the holidays are around the corner! The stretch from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve is fraught with peril for the newly sober and seasoned sobernaut alike. This week on RMA’s Thanksgiving Extravaganza, Mike and Nat share tips and tricks for making it through with mental health and sobriety intact. To help provide structure to the conversation, they read and comment on selections from Living Sober: Practical Methods Alcoholics Have Used for Living Without Drinking. Whether you identify as an alcoholic, a grey area drinker, or something in between, there’s something in this conversation for YOU.
Rehab Confidential – Simon Kirke, drummer for Free, Bad Company and recovery advocate
Joe and Amy welcome rock and roll legend, Simon Kirke. Simon talks about his history in the business, being the drummer for Free and Bad Company and relays stories on some of the biggest names in rock. We also talk about his recovery advocacy work with Road Recovery.
Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas – World and international boxing champion Mia St. John on the isolation of relapse, recovery as connection and her fight through grief and loss
A fighter in every sense of the word, boxing champion Mia St. John encountered addiction from a young age, growing up with a father who struggled with drinking and attending her first Alcoholics Anonymous group when she was just twelve years old. Years later, she witnessed her son's struggle with mental illness and a cycle of substance use as self-medication. Tune in as Mia opens up to Elizabeth about enduring the loneliness of relapse, finding a home in Alcoholics Anonymous and weathering the losses of her son, Julian, and her former husband, Kristoff St. John.
Dopey – Director Erin Lee Carr (‘Britney vs. Spears’), Alcohol, Cocaine, David Carr
This week on Dopey! At long last, we are joined by the prolific documentary film maker and brilliant memoirist, Erin Lee Carr. She walks us through her life as a child of two serious addicts and her experience as a fantastic alcoholic in her own right. We talk about her father, renowned author and NY Times journalist, David Carr and the hard lessons he taught Erin. We discuss her new smash Netflix Documentary Britney vs. Spears, and the balance between workaholism and ambition and the importance of having a crack sober support network to pace her recovery. PLUS a nitrous fueled voicemail, King Baby and much more on this fresh episode of Dopey. Get it while it’s hot!
The Addicted Mind Podcast - Breaking Alcohol Addiction Through Medical and Psychosocial Interventions with Dr. Joseph Volpicelli
On today’s episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, Duane speaks with Dr. Joseph Volpicelli, a world-renowned scientist clinician whose research led to the discovery of naltrexone (a drug that treats alcohol addiction) among many other discoveries related to addiction treatment.
National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Podcasts Comments