The Wednesday Weekly - [The One About] Addiction + Recovery News Clips - Nov. 8, 2023
The Wednesday Weekly is a collaboration of Sober Linings Playbook and Recovery in the Middle Ages Podcast.
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Highlights
National
Hunter Biden op ed slams GOP for “weaponizing” addiction | Winemakers concerned about potential new requirements for warning labels on bottles
State and Local
CA involuntary treatment law could increase already high demand for SUD treatment | Oregon study reveals the scope and extent of state’s difficulties in meeting needs of people with addiction and mental health conditions
Studies/Research in the News
Brain ultrasound to treat cocaine addiction?
Opinion
High Times op ed warns of cannabis addiction | Patti Davis on Matthey Perry and the loneliness of addiction
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National
Alarming new trend is emerging as younger Americans eschew alcohol on dates, go more for cannabis
Gen Z Americans are drinking less than previous generations and skipping alcoholic beverages on dates. Still, researchers warn the age group is compensating with cannabis, which in excess could lead to serious health complications. Doctors said that cannabis in some cases can lead to psychotic episodes and increase mental health issues.
Fox - Nov. 3, 2023
Kate Middleton Shares How Help Those Affected by Addiction in New Message
The Princess of Wales reflected on her visit to a prison last month and how her campaign for early childhood connects to addiction.
People - Nov. 3, 2023
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urges marijuana legalization 'to end addiction'
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent 2024 presidential candidate, asserts the U.S. needs to “legalize pot to end addiction,” in a new campaign ad. In the ad, which pulls clips from a C-SPAN interview, Kennedy described his plan to federally legalize marijuana and allocate tax revenue for substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation. Rivals Trump and DeSantis aren’t fans of legislation, but Biden is.
News Nation - Nov. 3, 2023
Fire at Drug Addiction Facility in Iran Kills Dozens
A fire broke out at a drug rehabilitation center in Iran’s Caspian Sea province of Gilan on November 3, killing at least 32 people and injuring 16, local media reported. Such accidents are not rare in Iran, mainly because of the disregarding of safety measures, aging facilities and inadequate emergency services. Iran has one of the most severe addiction problems in the world, according to the UN Office of Drugs and Crime.
Iran Wire - Nov. 3, 2023
Santos Apologized After Smearing Colleague Over Son's Drug Addiction
Embattled Rep. George Santos issued a public apology to his Republican colleague on Thursday after smearing them over their son's history of drug addiction in a now-deleted post on X.
Business Insider - Nov. 3, 2023
Hunter Biden says GOP is weaponizing his addiction in op-ed
Hunter Biden claimed the GOP is weaponizing his addiction in an opinion piece published in USA Today on Thursday. “Over four years ago, I chose life over the slow strangle-death grip of addiction,” Biden said. “What is distinct about my situation is that I’m the son of the president of the United States.”
Deseret News - Nov. 2, 2023
Concern among winemakers about potential new requirements for alcohol health warnings on bottles
Additional health warnings for alcohol bottles and cans could be on the way, but some in the industry say it's not the right approach. Major health organisations support the warnings, and a recent survey found 78 per cent of Australians supported them.
Australian Brodcasting Corporation - Nov. 1, 2023
Sobriety and Latino culture
A growing number of Latines are shifting the social pressure away from drinking while keeping the cultural aspects of Latine gatherings firmly in place. For many Latines, it still feels counter-cultural to not drink the spirits they’ve grown up with like tequila, rum and cerveza.
Los Angeles Times - Oct. 31, 2023
Matthew Perry was candid about his addiction. His words are now part of his legacy.
In the final years of his life, Perry wanted to leave a legacy of inspiring and helping other addicts overcome life's most difficult hurdles. Despite his pain and struggle, Perry said his recovery journey left him with a prevailing sense of duty to help others walking similar paths.
NBC - Oct. 30, 2023
National State and Local Studies in the News Opinion Comments
State / Local
California: Law Could Increase Demand for Often-Elusive Addiction Treatment
State legislation that makes people struggling with severe addiction eligible for conservatorships is expected to put more pressure on a treatment system now often unable to deliver immediate voluntary care.
Voice of San Diego - Nov. 3, 2023
New Jersey: Camden County jail overdoses reduced with medication
The Camden jail’s addiction treatment program has been touted as a national model. Now, a new report released last month by the Camden Coalition, a local health care nonprofit independent from the jail, has found that participants in the program are significantly less likely to overdose in the year after their release than those who don’t participate.
Philadelphia Inquirer - Nov. 3, 2023
New York: Did addiction treatment gaps fuel NY overdose deaths? Audit says yes
Gaps in addiction treatment care in New York during the pandemic potentially contributed to historic increases in overdose deaths, a state audit found. As opioid deaths spiked 44% in 2020 over the prior year, the number of addiction treatment inpatients decreased 33%, the audit reported. The findings revealed the stark disconnect between skyrocketing need for addiction treatment services and struggles to connect thousands of New Yorkers with care.
LoHud - Nov. 3, 2023
Montana addiction treatment facilities operating on a provisional license after state investigations
Inspectors cited Recovery Centers of Montana for shoddy admissions protocols, practicing unlicensed withdrawal management, and failing to report serious incidents on time.
Montana Free Press - Nov. 2, 2023
Ohio: Addiction can lead to financial ruin. Ohio wants to teach finance pros to help stem the loss
Family members across the country are facing new financial burdens as children, parents or other relatives struggle with the disease of addiction, whether it’s missing work, blowing through their savings or becoming parents again well into their 60s and 70s. In Ohio, an epicenter of the opioid crisis, the state’s Department of Commerce is taking a one-of-its-kind approach to aiding families financially impacted by addiction, by making sure the people handling their money are educated about it. This summer, the department launched the first trainings in its “Recovery Within Reach” program for financial advisers, teaching them how to spot the signs of addiction in their clients’ families and direct them to state and private resources that can help relieve the heavy monetary burden.
AP - Nov. 1, 2023
Oregon's groundbreaking study reveals road to addiction recovery
For more than 3 decades, Oregon hasn’t been able to meet the needs of people with addiction and mental illness. Now for the first time in the region, possibly even the state, groundbreaking work reveals real numbers that give us perspective on the true size and scope of these pressing problems – but more importantly, a roadmap to address them. This study was conducted by Providence Center for Outcomes Research and Education in cooperation with Health Share of Oregon, CareOregon and Central City Concern.
KOIN - Nov. 1, 2023
New Hampshire diner offers a 'fair chance' for workers in addiction recovery
In many ways, Fold’d Community Diner in Somersworth, New Hampshire is your typical diner. But that food comes along with a larger social mission. Local nonprofit SOS Recovery opened the restaurant earlier this month, with a goal of providing job opportunities for people in recovery from addiction or who were previously incarcerated.
WBUR - Nov. 1, 2023
Washington: Man who inspired 'Ricky's Law' fled to Oregon to avoid it
Ricky’s Klausmeyer-Garcia’s name is well-known across Washington. A recovery advocate, he transformed his personal story of addiction into a new state law, "Ricky’s Law," which passed in 2016 and took effect two years later. The law expanded involuntary treatment to people with substance use disorders. Ricky had been sober from his alcohol addiction for years, but this 2023 trip to Portland was different. He was running from his own law. By crossing the border into Oregon, Ricky found a refuge away from forced treatment as he battled addiction once again.
KGW8 - Nov. 1, 2023
New York: Governor Hochul Announces All $192 Million in First-Year Opioid Settlement Funds Allocated to Serve New Yorkers Struggling With Addiction or Available Through State Agencies
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York has made available all the funding provided in the first year of the opioid settlement agreements. This funding, approximately $192.8 million, is supporting a variety of prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery initiatives to help New Yorkers impacted by the opioid and overdose crisis.
Office of the Governor, New York - Oct. 30, 2023
Studies/Research in the News
Can brain ultrasound treat addiction? A cocaine study may hold answers.
Low-intensity focused ultrasound is a noninvasive brain stimulation therapy that could one day help patients addicted to cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
Health Leaders - Nov. 3, 2023
Opinion
Sounding the alcohol alarm, 10 years on
Ten years ago, long before women’s fatalities from alcohol had begun to catch up to men’s, I predicted that development in my book Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol. At the time my book appeared, I was five years sober, a fact that one editor had encouraged me to keep secret. Truth was, I – a well-educated former senior editor at Maclean’s and vice-president at McGill University – had previously been a risky, daily drinker.
The Globe and Mail - Nov. 3, 2023
Matthew Perry Foundation Established to Help Those Battling Addiction
Following the death of Matthew Perry, a foundation has been established to continue the Friends star’s efforts to help those dealing with addiction. The Matthew Perry Foundation, created by the actor’s team and maintained by the National Philanthropic Trust, is “the realization of Matthew’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction. It will honor his legacy and be guided by his own words and experiences and driven by his passion for making a difference in as many lives as possible,” the foundation said in its mission statement.
Rolling Stone - Nov. 3, 2023
How I Got Addicted to Fentanyl in My 20s
Max was prescribed synthetic opioids at a time when they were considered safe. Seven years later, he's still dealing with the consequences.
VICE- Nov. 3, 2023
Yes, You’re Addicted…to Pot
We’ve run from this for a long time, but the truth is, you can get addicted to pot. Now I know I’m going against pretty much the entire industry’s narrative with this one, but I’ve got something to say, and it starts with dropping the act that cannabis is not addictive. If no one else wants to be ‘that guy’, I’ll go ahead and say it myself: I am fully addicted to weed in all its various forms, but most importantly, I’m addicted to smoking it.
High Times - Nov. 3, 2023
Lawmakers Seek To Overrule Cops’ Medical Decision and Follow the Advice of Addiction Doctors
The DEA’s proposed rule requires that any patients initially begun on buprenorphine via telehealth must see the prescribing practitioner in person within 30 days. The rule limits the prescription to a 30‐day supply. The cops are concerned that patients will “abuse” or “divert” the buprenorphine into the black market. Addiction specialists are concerned that the proposed rule will reduce access to buprenorphine treatment.
Cato Institute - Nov. 3, 2023
Patti Davis: Matthew Perry and the loneliness of addiction
I want to tell you something about addiction: No matter who it is or what substance that person is hooked on, loneliness is at its root. For whatever reason — and I have no theory as to why — there are those of us who feel isolated in this world, as if everyone else had some secret formula for getting along, for fitting in, and no one ever let us in on it.
New York Times - Oct. 31, 2023
Sarah Hepola: Matthew Perry’s Radical Honesty About His Addiction Battle Helped Us All
[Perry’s Book] Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing turns out to be the obituary he did not know he was writing for himself. As sad as that is, consider how few people get to write such an extraordinary obituary. One that doesn’t merely document a life but might save them, too.
Rolling Stone - Oct. 31, 2023