The Wednesday Weekly Addiction + Recovery News Clips - December 27, 2023
The Wednesday Weekly is a collaboration of Sober Linings Playbook and Recovery in the Middle Ages Podcast.
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Highlights
National
Safe consumption sites | Sesame explains opioid addiction to children
State and Local
Palm Beach Post hosts forum on the “Florida Shuffle” | California’s new expanded conservatorship law for addiction and mental illness confronts delay due to lack of treatment infrastucture
Studies/Research in the News
FDA approves genetic test for opioid addiction risk | New treatment for nicotine addiction may be on horizon
Opinion
The need to address quality and cost of addiction treatment | American Psychiatric Association to make addiction key topic of annual meeting
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(Inter)National
Reporting on the stigma of addiction
“Journalists play a crucial role in public perception of addiction. When media professionals are inaccurate or use language and themes that have been shown to increase stigma and discrimination, their reporting can do more harm than good — real harm that further stigmatizes already marginalized populations, contributes to drug-related deaths and backwards policy.”
The Inter-Mountain - Dec. 24, 2023
Chris Christie calls for outright renovation to nation's addiction treatment, recovery programs
Republican presidential candidate and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie outlined his national drug crisis plan earlier this week -- sharing his roadmap that focuses on ending the stigma and turning attention to treatment. Christie said "progress" and "basic humanity" are at the root of his plan.
ABC - Dec. 22, 2023
This Law From 1986 Keeps Addiction Help in the Shadows
In May, the National Institutes of Health allocated several million dollars for a long-term study of [a safe consumption] program; and Minnesota has since become the second state (after Rhode Island) to clear a path for similar programs. But that momentum is being undermined by an outdated federal law known as the crack-house statute, which makes even state sanctioned programs technically illegal because it prohibits owning, renting, leasing or operating any premises for the purposes of storing, using or selling illegal drugs.
New York Times - Dec. 22, 2023
Your Patient Has a Drug Addiction, What's After Screening?
There is a growing trend of primary care physicians engaging patients with substance abuse disorders in follow-up care, which has proven effective in aiding sustained recovery. A recent study looked at the effectiveness of using primary care settings for recovery management checkups. Using data from federally qualified health centers, the findings showed "further evidence of the effectiveness of the 'referral to treatment' component of SBIRT when combined with RMC for patients in primary care settings."
Medscape - Dec. 22, 2023
Man's Fatal Ketamine Addiction Shrank His Bladder
Rian Rogers was found dead in his shower from what his mom says is a ketamine addiction that started with recreational use at festivals. Clare Rogers, 47, says her son Rian Rogers was just 26 when he was found dead in his shower in April. She said he used ketamine so frequently that his bladder shrank to “the size of a marble,” according to an interview with the Times of London. Ketamine’s impacts on the bladder, however, are less publicized. It causes a condition the National Institute of Health describes as "ketamine-induced cystitis (KIC)."
People - Dec. 22, 2023
Greece: Plan for addicts to farm way out of substance abuse
In a first for Greece, a farm exclusively for substance abusers, who will be able to work in agriculture as part of their drug addiction program to gain skills they can use after they “graduate,” is being planned by the Health Ministry.
Ekathimerini.com - Dec. 22, 2023
Executive at Turkish anti-addiction organization arrested for alleged drug possession
Ahmet Zorlu, the Kilis branch head of Turkish anti-addiction organization the Green Crescent (Yeşilay), was arrested after 800 grams of drugs were seized in his car, the Sözcü daily reported on Friday. Founded in 1920, Yeşilay is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating addictive habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use. The organization offers services and protective methods for all citizens, with a special focus on youths affected by harmful habits.
Turkish Minute - Dec. 22, 2023
Shawn Johnson Turned Down C-Section Pain Medications After Addiction
Shawn Johnson East decided against using “narcotic” pain medication during her C-section delivery based on her history with Adderall.
US - Dec. 22, 2023
‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry died after taking ketamine. Is it safe for depression, and is ketamine addictive?
Actor Matthew Perry’s tragic death from “the acute effects of ketamine” has raised many questions about how medical experts and people struggling with depression are using ketamine and whether the anesthetic and psychedelic drug is safe. To understand more about ketamine, how it works and when doctors use it to help with depression in supervised settings, we consulted with Dr. Pat Fehling, a psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist at the UCHealth Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation (CeDAR).
UC Davis - Dec. 21, 2023
'Swing Hard in Case You Hit It' recounts recovery from addiction and 2020 Trump campaign
Quitting drinking and then working on the 2020 presidential campaign — loom so large in my life that I’ve written a book about them. It’s called “Swing Hard in Case You Hit It: My Escape From Addiction and Shot at Redemption on the Trump Campaign.” It’s about waking up in jail one day, faced with the prospect of near-total personal and professional ruin, yet recovering to travel on Air Force One with the president less than four years later.
Washington Times - Dec. 21, 2023
Former addicts crippled by nitrous oxide crisis, call for lawmaker action
Nitrous oxide addiction is becoming increasingly prevalent, with manufacturers boldly expanding its reach through larger formats available in stores across communities. A former addict fears the availability will snare more in a potentially deadly trap she only barely escaped. “It’s hippie crack for a reason. Because it’s crack. You hit it, you gotta hit another one, because it doesn’t stop,” she added.
Fox8Live - Dec. 20, 2023
Muppets from Sesame Workshop help explain opioid addiction to children
Sesame Workshop has new resources for kids affected by the opioid epidemic, featuring videos explaining addiction and treatment. (This first aired on All Things Considered on Dec. 4, 2023.)
NPR - Dec. 18, 2023
National State and Local Studies in the News Opinion Comments
State / Local
New Hampshire: Hassan Works To Boost Student Loan Repayment Program For Addiction Treatment Workers
Sen. Maggie Hassan is the cosponsor of a bill that would reauthorize and double a student loan repayment program for people who work at addiction treatment facilities in areas with a mental health professional shortage.
New Hampshire Bulletin - Dec. 22, 2023
New York: A story of addiction in East Norwich
Kevin O’Neill knew about addiction when he stopped his brother, who’s a year older, from buying cocaine — perhaps more than Jack realized. Kevin was also an addict, but his drug of choice was cough syrup.
Long Island Herald - Dec. 22, 2023
Florida: Palm Beach Post forum on Florida Shuffle of addiction treatment
As county and state policymakers weigh the use of new funding to combat the tragic toll of the opioid epidemic in Florida, The Palm Beach Post will convene a panel of experts to highlight necessary responses to some of the highest numbers of overdose deaths in the nation. “Fixing the Florida Shuffle – Next Steps,” will be the topic of a Palm Beach Post public community forum from 6:15-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, at the Palm Beach State College Lake Worth Beach campus. The discussion will focus on what must happen to end the cycle of recovery, relapse and overdose that has come to be known nationally as the “Florida Shuffle.”
Palm Beach Post - Dec. 22, 2023
Prominent addiction counselor and pioneer Peter Hayden retires
A noted addiction treatment counselor in Minnesota is retiring. Peter Hayden is the founder of Turning Point in Minneapolis. His own recovery began 50 years ago after his return from the Vietnam war. He went on to get a Ph.D. and became a pioneer in the field. He will be stepping down as founder and CEO of Turning Point at the end of year to transition into an ambassador role. He reflected on his career and shared what’s next with All Things Considered host Tom Crann.
Minnesota Public Radio - Dec. 22, 2023
California: New California law addressing mental illness, addiction among homeless delayed by Valley counties. Here's why
Historic changes to California’s conservatorship law, which will expand who can be placed in involuntary care and treatment in an attempt to address the state’s ongoing homelessness crisis, will have to wait in the Central Valley. While groups like the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) California and California State Association of Psychiatrists have supported the bill, its signing was not without controversy. The California Hospitals Association has reached out to county administrators across the state, including in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, urging them to delay implementation. Without sufficient existing treatment programs or care facilities, it would force “hospitals to be stuck with a lot of patients in an involuntary hold,” which could mean less beds for other sick or injured patients.
KVPR - Dec. 21, 2023
Ohio: Hamilton County debuts harm-reduction vending machines to combat addiction crisis
Hamilton County is offering a new way to help those struggling with addiction: harm-reduction vending machines. The machines carry Narcan, fentanyl test strips, safe needle disposal bags, condoms, and first aid supplies. They're available 24 hours a day at no cost.
Local 12 - Dec. 21, 2023
Oregon: Suggested Policies Aim to Address Addiction
A list of proposed changes to Oregon law attempts to address addiction and suggests modifications to Measure 110, the drug decriminalization and treatment bill passed in Oregon in 2020. The Oregon District Attorney Association, the Oregon State Sherriff's Association, the Chiefs of Police Oregon Association and the League of Oregon Cities collaboratively developed a list of policy proposals that covers a wide range of issues related to drug possession, drug use, drug dealing, addiction and mental health.
Bend Source - Dec. 20, 2023
Studies/Research in the News
Researchers patenting new treatment for nicotine addiction
Currently Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - nicotine patches or lozenges - relies on providing additional nicotine to the body. Researchers have now turned to nicotine’s oxidative metabolite, cotinine. Researchers have demonstrated a practical approach for treating nicotine dependence. Currently Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - nicotine patches or lozenges - relies on providing additional nicotine to the body. Researchers have now turned to nicotine’s oxidative metabolite, cotinine. Using ascorbic acid as a potential reducing agent, they converted cotinine in smokers’ plasma back to nicotine, targeting both nicotine addiction and detoxification simultaneously.
The Hindu - Dec. 22, 2023
FDA approves genetic test designed to asses risk of developing opioid addiction
FDA approves genetic test designed to asses risk of developing opioid addiction.
WFXTV - Dec. 22, 2023
US FDA approves first genetic test to identify opioid use addiction risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Tuesday it has approved the first test to assess if there is a risk of opioid use addiction in certain individuals. AvertD is intended to be used before the first use of oral opioid painkillers in those who are being considered for a 4 to 30 days prescription for the treatment of acute pain, such as in patients scheduled to undergo a planned surgical procedure.
Reuters - Dec. 20, 2023
The Relationship Between Adolescents and Addiction
There is an increased risk for adolescents to struggle with substance use disorders.Having more risk factors than protective factors in a teen's life can lead to substance use disorder. An underdeveloped pre-frontal cortex can push teens to take risks. Create a comfortable environment in which you can have open conversations about drugs or alcohol.
Psychology Today - Dec. 20, 2023
Opinion
How to avoid a relapse over holidays
Holiday gatherings can bring a level of tension, anxiety, shame and guilt that is hard to handle when you are trying to not drink or use drugs. Holiday gatherings can bring a level of tension, anxiety, shame and guilt that is hard to handle when you are trying to not drink or use drugs
Deseret News - Dec. 22, 2023
Other Voices: Curb Colorado’s culture of addiction
More blowback from our state’s soft-on-drugs policies: A new study ranks Colorado first among the states for addiction.
Greeley Tribune - Dec. 22, 2023
Addiction recovery options are expensive, but we can do better
The average cost in the United States for private in-patient addiction treatment can reach $40,000. The sad truth is, if you’re not exceptionally wealthy, you have so little chance of getting the help you need. The affordability is one question, but access to necessary care presents a whole other set of hurdles altogether. Indiana is among the majority of U.S. states where more people with a mental illness and addictions are housed in jails than in hospitals.
Indianapolis Star - Dec. 21, 2023
American Psychiatric Association: Harnessing the Potential of the Annual Meeting to Confront Addiction
Over the past year, much of my work as APA president has been centered around the theme “Confronting Addiction From Prevention to Recovery.” This work has been focused around four main topic areas that represent some of the most common and challenging areas of addiction medicine: opioids, alcohol, vaping, and technology. One of the fruits of that collaboration is a pair of top 10 lists designed to share essential information on addiction. The Top 10 Things Everyone Should Know About Addiction is aimed at a general audience, while the Top Ten Things Every Physician Should Know About Addiction is aimed at doctors who may encounter addiction in the course of their practice.
Psychiatric News - Dec. 20, 2023