The Wednesday Weekly Addiction + Recovery News Clips - September 7, 2022

The Wednesday Weekly is a collaboration of Sober Linings Playbook and Recovery in the Middle Ages Podcast.

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Highlights

National
Sharpest one year decline in U.S. life expectancy attributed to Addiction, COVID | Shatterproof’s ATLAS free online addiction treatment locator now includes Florida treatment providers | Vancouver, B.C’s approach to safe supply | New Canadian health guidelines recommend no more than 2 drinks per week
Fentanyl
'Rainbow fentanyl' meant to entice children is sweeping into US, DEA warns | How fentanyl affects the brain and breathing
State and Local
Update on NY Opioid Settlement Board’s progress | Legislative Joint Finance Committee rejects Wisconsin Department of Health Services plan to distribute $31 million in opioid settlement funds | City/County supervisor asks how much addiction costs S.F.
Studies/Research in the News
Is sugar addictive? | Legal cannabis leads to increased use | The strange phenomenon of “addiction release” (“spontaneous recovery”)
Opinion
The importance of addiction treatment in jails/prisons | Author Beth Macy on the importance of harm reduction | How alcohol lost its cool
Books and Movies
”Our American Family” documentary examines addiction, recovery in a Philadelphia family | Author Beth Macy (“Dopesick”) releases new book (“Raising Lazarus”) that sheds light on community and grass roots efforts to combat the opioid epidemic
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National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Comments

National

Proposed alcohol guidelines in Canada recommend no more than 2 drinks per week
Newly proposed guidelines for alcohol consumption say Canadians should stick to a maximum of two drinks per week in order to reduce their risk of negative health consequences. A report published by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) Monday follows two years of research and a review of more than 5,000 peer-reviewed studies, and says alcohol in even small quantities can be harmful.
WQOW News13 - Sept. 4, 2022

A Paris shop gets in on the non-alcoholic wine trend. Will the French drink it?
In April, Laborde opened Le Paon Qui Boit, meaning The Drinking Peacock — which promotes itself as Paris' first non-alcoholic wine and liquor store. The shop boasts more than 300 bottles of low and zero-proof beers, wines, gins and whiskeys.
NPR - Sept. 3, 2022

Why Japan is urging young adults to drink more alcohol
The National Tax Agency in Japan is urging the public to drink more alcohol in a new contest aimed at young adults. The reason? Tax revenue from alcoholic beverages has been on the decline in recent decades as more and more young people in the country cut down or ditch booze entirely.
CBS - Sept. 3, 2022

An online tool to find addiction treatment launches in Florida
Floridians can now access a free tool to help them find substance use treatment. The online assessment and treatment locator is called ATLAS, and it's designed to serve individuals struggling with addiction or concerned friends and family who are searching on their behalf. Developers worked with the American Society of Addiction Medicine to come up with questions and answers, according to Gary Mendell, founder and CEO of Shatterproof, an addiction recovery nonprofit that operates ATLAS in 10 states.
WLRN - Sept. 2, 2022

Rahul Gupta, first physician to serve as drug czar, says stigma among doctors is key culprit in addiction crisis
Gupta sat down with STAT this week to discuss the ongoing crisis and the Biden administration’s efforts to address it. While circumspect about [California Governor] Newsom’s decision [to veto a bill allowing safe injection sites as a limited pilot in California], Gupta did take several positions that are far more aggressive than any of his predecessors: Calling out doctors for their role in poor treatment outcomes; arguing that the addiction medication buprenorphine is widely misunderstood; and advocating for contingency management, a new addiction intervention that offers rewards — often cash — in exchange for cessation of drug use.
STAT News - Sept. 2, 2022

New York Times podcast examines Vancouver overdose crisis, safe supply approach
The use of harm-reduction strategies to mitigate the deadly overdose crisis in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside is the focus of the latest episode of "The Daily," a New York Times podcast with millions of listeners around the world. Nolen focuses in particular on one dispensary legally handing out fentanyl to drug users – part of the safe supply strategy that's been given greater consideration in recent years amid increasing toxicity in street drugs that has led to record-breaking numbers of overdose deaths.
CTV - Sept. 2, 2022

Expanding Substance Use Disorder Coverage Would Cost Medicare $362M
If Medicare expanded substance use disorder coverage, the program would incur an additional $1.9 billion annually but save almost $1.6 billion from reduced spending on hospitalizations and medical conditions, according to a study conducted by RTI International and prepared for the Legal Action Center (LAC).
Rev Cycle Intelligence - Sept. 1, 2022

Life expectancy in U.S. decreases by one year, the sharpest decline in almost a century
A government report shows U.S. life expectancy dropped for the second consecutive year in 2021 by nearly one year. NBC News Medical Fellow Dr. Akshay Syal explains how deaths from Covid and substance abuse are contributing to the decline and who is affected the most.
NBC - Aug. 31, 2022

Press release: On International Overdose Awareness Day, HHS announces awarding of $79.1 million in overdose prevention grants
On International Overdose Awareness Day, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is announcing the awarding of $79.1 million in overdose prevention grants, as part of President Biden’s National Drug Control Strategy, the HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy, and the Biden-Harris Unity Agenda to address the opioid and overdose epidemic.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Aug. 31, 2022

'Bachelorette' Alum Zac Clark Celebrates 11 Years of Sobriety: 'If I Can Do It, You Can Do It'
Zac Clark is has been taking it one day at a time for 4,015 days now. In a video on Instagram on Tuesday, the former Bachelorette contestant, 38, opened up about his major milestone in his substance-free life. "11 years sober today, I'm super grateful," the Release Recovery co-founder said.
People - Aug. 31, 2022

What Is Shopping Addiction? Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and More
Simply put, there’s a difference between a shopping addiction and occasional leisure shopping. But it's important to know that if your shopping habits become extreme, they can constitute a behavioral disorder.
Everyday Health - Aug. 31, 2022

National State and Local Studies in the News Opinion Reviews Comments

Fentanyl

Here’s How Fentanyl Can Affect Your Brain – and Breathing
New research conducted by scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital and published in PNAS Nexus has revealed that the drug fentanyl halts surgical patients’ respiration even before there are any observable changes, including the loss of consciousness. This finding may help doctors administer the drug in a safer manner. However, it also explains why it’s such a dangerous drug to abuse. Experts say fentanyl is highly addictive and should only be used when absolutely necessary.
Healthline - Sept. 2, 2022

'Rainbow fentanyl' meant to entice children is sweeping into US, DEA warns
The Drug Enforcement Administration is warning America of a new, colorful pill making its way into U.S. communities that has the potential to kill any person (or child) who consumes it. "Rainbow fentanyl" is being seized at the nation's borders from drug smugglers, but plenty more is heading into the United States and being dispersed nationwide. The DEA found these new pills in 18 states in August alone.
Washington Examiner - Aug. 31, 2022

How Two Mexican Drug Cartels Came to Dominate America’s Fentanyl Supply
Two cartels are named for their respective strongholds in states on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Sinaloa is a decades-old criminal organization deeply embedded in the economy, politics and culture of Mexico’s wild northwest, analysts and officials said. Jalisco, farther south, is a relative upstart, and has violently challenged Sinaloa for market share.
Wall Street Journal - Aug. 30, 2022

National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Comments

 State / Local

Wyoming cowboys open up about addiction and suicide
"Cowboys are supposed to be tough, we're born and raised to be independent and not rely on anyone, and a lot of stuff we do is on our own," says Rand Selle. "We don't have that communication skill to go elsewhere and talk and share our emotions and I kind of think a lot of us struggle with that." All too often, this bottling up ends in tragedy. "We deal a lot with friends and family that are cowboys who have passed away, either by suicide or have an alcohol or drug addiction."
The Star - Sept. 3, 2022

Florida: Attorney General Moody touts new Shatterproof addiction locator website to combat Florida opioid crisis
The Addiction Treatment Locator, Assessment and Standards platform, or ATLAS, is an online platform created by Shatterproof, a nonprofit organization founded and led by Gary Mendell. The ATLAS website was rolled out in collaboration with Florida Blue, the state’s largest health insurer. In a press release issued Thursday, Florida Blue called the site a “free, confidential” way to find addiction-assistance resources. The site helps people struggling with addiction and their families, health care providers and insurers find and compare licensed treatment facilities.
Yahoo! - Sept. 2, 2022

Oregon: Measure 110 addiction funds approved in Washington County
The state's Measure 110 oversight council has approved $20.5 million for addiction and recovery services in Washington County. Measure 110 has generated some $302 million so far for treatment services statewide, officials say. All of that money has now been approved for distribution.
Hillsboro News Times - Sept. 2, 2022

New Hampshire: Nashua launches a new resource guide for people with addiction
Nashua’s Division of Public Health and Community Services has launched a new initiative to provide comprehensive information about addiction services to residents experiencing substance use disorder. The new Community Connections Resource Guide includes an online directory of behavioral health services and is designed to help people access treatment and programs that better meet their needs.
New Hampshire Public Radio - Sept. 2, 2022

Wisconsin received $31M to combat the opioid epidemic. Those funds are still in limbo.
Wisconsin was awarded nearly $31 million to help address the ongoing opioid epidemic across the state — an epidemic that took the lives of 1,226 Wisconsinites in 2020. But as of Aug. 30, none of those funds have been distributed because the Wisconsin Joint Committee on Finance rejected a plan for their use.
Wisconsin Public Radio - Aug. 31, 2022

New York: Opioid Settlement Board makes progress on recommendation report
State agencies and advocates addressed the opioid epidemic on Monday. The states opioid settlement fund board met with The Office of Addictions Services & Supports to discuss how funds from opioid lawsuits should be used.
News10 - Aug. 30, 2022

Colorado hospital's unique way to help with drug addiction in the emergency department
Swedish Medical Center in Englewood has a new way to help fight addiction. A peer advocate now works inside the emergency department to meet with patients who are struggling with substance use disorder. Laura Allem is a recovery support specialist with Advocates for Recovery Colorado who works at Swedish. 
Fox31 - Aug. 30, 2022

Tennessee: Nashville doctor’s recovery from addiction is what propels him to help others
Dr. Steve Loyd’s mission in life is simple-- to help others. Loyd approaches those struggling with addiction in a kind, empathetic way. Many people have been talking about the Hulu series, “Dopesick”. In fact, it is loosely based on Loyd’s life. Dr. Loyd, along with the author of “Dopesick”, Beth Macy, will be at the Mobile Saenger Theater tomorrow, August 31st at 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, not just for those fighting addiction. Local organizations will be present with resources on fighting addiction and finding recovery.
Fox10 - Aug. 30, 2022

California: How much does drug addiction cost San Francisco? One supervisor wants to find out
Supervisor Matt Dorsey sent a letter to city Controller Ben Rosenfield and Chief Economist Ted Egan on Monday asking for help determining what it would take to estimate the financial strain that untreated addiction places on the municipal budget. Dorsey’s goal is to create a biennially updated “right to recovery” report modeled in part after an Oregon study that found that government spending on substance use consumed nearly 17% of that state’s 2017 budget. It’s the latest attempt by Dorsey, who is in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse, to address the city’s epidemic of overdose deaths driven largely by fentanyl.
San Francisco Chronicle - Aug. 29, 2022

National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Comments

Studies/Research in the News

Is Sugar Addictive?
Some researchers say the effects of overusing refined sugar parallel the effects of cocaine or opioid addiction. More research is necessary before we know if overuse of refined sugar leads to a behavioral or chemical addiction.
Psychology Today - Sept. 2, 2022

Legalizing recreational cannabis increases its use, research shows
People in US states that legalized recreational cannabis use it 20% more frequently than those in states that didn't legalize it, a study published Thursday in the journal Addiction has suggested.
CNN - Aug. 29, 2022

The Strange Phenomenon of Addiction Release (“Spontaneous Recovery”)
In some rare cases, long-term addicts who are close to rock bottom become spontaneously free of their addiction. It's almost as if their identity dissolves away, and a new self emerges, one that doesn't carry the addiction.
Psychology Today - Aug. 8, 2022

National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Comments

Opinion

Jails must join fight against epidemic of addiction
Roughly two out of three people in jails have a substance abuse disorder. By providing effective treatment, jails could mitigate considerably a public health crisis that has killed more than 1 million Americans. Instead, local jails more often punish the disease of addiction than treat it, withholding life-saving medications, such as buprenorphine (Suboxone) and methadone, that reduce mortality rates by up to 50%. Those drugs, along with naltrexone (Vivitrol), constitute the standard of care for treating addiction to heroin, prescription painkillers and other opioids.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Sept. 3, 2022

Addiction is a symptom of colonization — advocates say community can heal it
The ONA’s Purple Ribbon Campaign emphasizes using harm-reduction approaches, and addressing mental health and healing to address substance use in its communities. “The drug and opioid crisis continues to underscore the facts that social determinants of health are all linked to extreme poverty, economic disparity, poor health conditions, lack of accessible housing and are rooted in a history of colonization that resulted in the displacement of Indigenous peoples,” said Louis. “These complex issues require holistic comprehensive responses.”
IndigiNews - Sept. 2, 2022

What is it like to get needles from a harm reduction center? Harm Reduction Centers aren’t just for drug addiction assistance
Harm Reduction Centers aren’t just for drug addiction assistance. They are also places where medically transitioning trans people like me can go to avoid endless awkward or downright upsetting conversations at pharmacies. Unlike those pharmacies, they will also give you the correct needle sizes and help you to dispose of your used needles safely.
Medium - Sept. 2, 2022

How Alcohol Lost Its Cool
A third of pub visits are now alcohol-free, but drinking has been losing its cred in pop culture for a while now.
VICE - Sept. 1, 2022

Beth Macy: Harm Reduction Is What Successful Addiction Care Looks Like
Across the nation, harm reduction services look vastly different in rural towns and counties than in, say, New York City, which authorized the nation’s first official supervised-consumption sites last fall. Many rural Americans make do with a hodgepodge treatment landscape that depends entirely on the efforts of individuals. And yet this type of care has been proved time and again to work, and the federal government must take heed if it hopes to truly curb overdose deaths.
New York Times - Aug. 15, 2022

National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Comments

Books and Movies

Requiem For A Dream Ending Explained: The Many Faces Of Addiction
Darren Aronofsky's 2000 film descends into a cacophony of cross-cutting and nightmarish images as its four central characters plunge deeper into addiction and self-destruction. The ending is an assault on the senses that leaves the viewer reeling, and 20-plus years have not diluted its power.
Slash Film - Sept. 3, 2022

Matt Willis to candidly share personal battle with drug and alcohol addiction in new documentary
Matt Willis is reportedly set to candidly share his battle with drug and alcohol addiction in a heartbreaking new documentary. The Busted bassist will touch on his time with the pop band, as well as speaking about receiving treatment for alcoholism in 2005 - when the group split up. In the BBC Three project - which is expected to air in 2023 - the 39-year-old details how his addiction developed from parts of his childhood and speaks on how starting a new life with his wife Emma saved him. 
Daily Mail - Sept. 2, 2022

‘Our American Family’ Review: How Addiction Affects the Household
In this intimate documentary, a Philadelphia family of six reels from a daughter’s recent overdose. “Our American Family,” an intimate documentary, hopes to give a human face to the epidemic of addiction. The film opens and closes with footage of rainy city streets as maudlin music plays, but for the most part, the directors Hallee Adelman and Sean King O’Grady wisely home in on the story of a family of six in Philadelphia.
New York Times - Sept. 1, 2022

'Dopesick' author turns her attention to the citizen volunteers combatting addiction
Author Beth Macy and harm reduction specialist Michelle Mathis talk about grassroots and community efforts to address the opioid crisis. Macy's latest book is Raising Lazarus.
NPR - Aug. 17, 2022

National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Comments

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The Wednesday Weekly Addiction + Recovery News Clips - July 27, 2022