The Wednesday Weekly - Addiction + Recovery News, February 23, 2022
The Wednesday Weekly is a collaboration of Sober Linings Playbook and Recovery in the Middle Ages Podcast.
Highlights
National
Sacklers willing to pay $6 billion to settle | Harvard returns to hallucinogenic drugs | Actress Jane Lynch on relapse and recovery
Fentanyl
Murder charges for fentanyl sales | New Mexico legalizes fentanyl test strips
State and Local
Iowa to provide restaurants and bars with overdose reversing naloxone | Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Kansas jails
Studies/Research in the News
Access to lifesaving opioid treatment varies across U.S. | Study shows opioid addiction more likely for people who have had COVID
Opinion
“Crack pipe” outcry was missed opportunity to educate on harm reduction | Documentary filmmaker learns about addiction from Czech meth cook
Books and Movies
TV “Euphoria” holds up mirror to addiction experience | Book: “The Urge: Our History of Addiction” by Dr. Carl Erik Fisher | Marvel’s Iron Man to go to rehab for morphine addiction
Podcasts
RMA discusses self-care | Recovery advocate Sean Paul Mahoney on Rehab Confidential | History of addiction with Prof. Benjamin Breen on Flourishing After Addiction
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(Inter)National
Model who started vaping at 15 to be 'cool' says she is now disabled after addiction
A model has been left disabled with extreme muscle pain and weakness after becoming addicted to vaping as a teenager, she has claimed. Vanessa von Schwarz started using e-cigarettes when she saw her friends were all doing them in the school toilets and soon find herself regularly puffing on vapes.
UK Mirror - Feb. 21, 2022
Jay and Silent Bob Actor Jason Mewes Shares Heartbreaking Personal Addiction Story Involving Kevin Smith
Jason Mewes recently opened up about his substance addiction over the years and shared one particularly sad story that involved his best pal, filmmaker Kevin Smith. Currently sober for 11 years, the actor spoke candidly about his battle on the latest episode of Steve-O’s Wild Ride! podcast.
Hollywood Reporter - Feb. 20, 2022
Purdue Pharma owners willing to pay up to $6bn to settle opioid suits
Member of the Sackler family who own Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin, are willing to kick in more money - up to $6 billion in total - to settle thousands of lawsuits over the toll of opioids as the company tries to work out a deal with states attorneys general who torpedoed an earlier settlement.
The Guardian - Feb. 19, 2022
At Harvard, Psychedelic Drugs' Tentative Renaissance
In the early 1960s, the Harvard Psilocybin Project made national headlines for its unethical research methods and controversial leader, psychologist Timothy F. Leary. Now, sixty years after Leary's departure, Harvard is again part of the conversation around the future of psychedelics.
The Harvard Crimson - Feb. 18, 2022
Lottie Moss checks into rehab over 'really bad' cocaine addiction
Lottie Moss, the younger sister of supermodel Kate Moss, has opened up about being in rehab for a "really bad" cocaine addiction.
Cosmopolitan - Feb. 18, 2022
Former Angels Employee Convicted of Distributing Drugs That Caused MLB Pitcher Tyler Skaggs’ Death
After less than 90 minutes of deliberations Thursday, a Texas federal jury found former Los Angeles Angels communications director Eric Kay guilty of two felony drug charges in connection with the 2019 overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs.
Forbes - Feb. 17, 2022
The Weekly Takedown: Brennan Ward's Endless Fight Against Addiction
A life-threatening habit nearly prevented Ward from fulfilling his responsibilities as a father and potential as a mixed martial artist.
Sports Illustrated - Feb. 17, 2022
Jane Lynch opens up about her struggle with alcohol addiction and said she had 'one more chance'
The 61-year-old actress, who has been open about her battle with alcohol addiction, has opened up on her relapse five years ago after feeling 'a kind of magical lifting of my compulsion to drink' in her 30s.
Daily Mail - Feb. 16, 2022
Senate Democrats urge DOJ to open criminal investigation into Sackler family members
In a letter led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), the Democrats have asked Attorney General Merrick Garland to consider possible criminal charges for Sackler family members on top of the department's previously resolved civil and criminal investigations into Purdue.
The Hill - Feb. 16, 2022
More and more crypto investors are seeking out addiction therapy
Over the past five years, as cryptocurrencies have scaled new heights—and fallen from them—psychologists and therapists have stumbled upon a burgeoning new field of study. Many crypto traders exhibit behaviors that recall other forms of addiction—to alcohol, say, or gambling—but that also bear the unique stresses of this particular market.
Quartz - Feb. 15, 2022
US could loosen some restrictions on prescribing opioids
The US could see loosened guidance around prescribing opioids, as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers relaxing some of its guidelines in a move that could signal a new direction for managing chronic pain. The agency created rules in 2016 to reduce prescriptions that were fueling the opioid overdose epidemic. But as rules like these were put in place, opioid overdose deaths rose instead of falling. As the sources of medications dried up, some patients turned to illicit substances like heroin and fentanyl.
The Guardian - Feb. 15, 2022
National State and Local Studies in the News Opinion Reviews Podcasts Comments
Fentanyl
Fentanyl test strips help save lives
As fentanyl-related overdoses reach new records in King County, finding ways to reduce this often lethal mistake has become increasingly urgent. In 2019, the Washington legislature set aside $101,000 for Washington Syringe Service Programs to distribute more fentanyl test strips. Although the program was highly utilized, funding was exhausted in 2020.
Seattle Times - Feb. 18, 2022
Tennessee woman arrested for second degree murder and delivery of fentanyl
Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigators arrested a Hickman County woman and charged her with second degree murder and delivery of fentanyl in connection with a fatal drug overdose at a home on Pinewood Road in Primm Springs, Tennessee on Friday.
Fox17 - Feb. 18, 2022
Fentanyl: Middle-school kids fall prey to fatal overdoses
Though still rare, drug deaths among children ages 10 to 14 more than tripled from 2019 to 2020, according to an analysis done for CNN by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unintentional drug overdoses led to 200,000 years of lost life for US preteens and teens who died between 2015 and 2019, a January study found. And experts suspect that the problem has gotten worse during the pandemic, research shows.
CNN - Feb. 18, 2022
Fentanyl is driving the spike in overdose deaths in S.F., but there’s more to the story
Fentanyl is often combined with stimulants, often without the user knowing it.
San Francisco Chronicle - Feb. 17, 2022
ISO, a dangerous synthetic opioid stronger than fentanyl, showing up in Florida
A powerful synthetic opioid called ISO is increasingly showing up in overdoses and deaths across the country, and it’s also here in Florida and on the radar of law enforcement. Isotonitazene, or ISO, is a derivative of etonitazen. The opioid epidemic is considered a public health emergency, with an average of 136 deaths per day and climbing. Mike Palumbo with White Sands Treatment Center knows the numbers well. He says, “The line between not being sick, and overdosing is so close.”
Wink News - Feb. 17, 2022
Governor Abbott Holds Roundtable In Fort Worth On Nationwide Fentanyl Crisis
Governor Greg Abbott today held a roundtable in Fort Worth on the national fentanyl crisis alongside law enforcement and families who have been affected by fentanyl. "Because of President Biden's open border policies, deadly drugs like fentanyl are flooding our streets and killing hundreds of thousands of innocent people," said Governor Abbott. Governor Abbott has taken significant action to address the fentanyl crisis in Texas. Under Operation Lone Star, which launched in March 2021, over 232 million deadly doses of fentanyl have been seized coming across the border. Governor Abbott also signed new legislation last year that enhances criminal penalties for manufacturing and distributing fentanyl in Texas.
Office of the Texas Governor - Feb. 15, 2022
Oklahoma man charged with first-degree murder in fentanyl overdose death
Attorney General (AG) John O'Connor filed first-degree felony murder charges against a 23-year-old man after investigators found the drugs he sold to an Oklahoma County man caused the man's death.
Fox25 - Feb. 15, 2022
New Mexico bill allows testing to prevent fentanyl deaths
New Mexico's Legislature passed a bill Monday to legalize test strips that can detect the presence of the potent opiate fentanyl and potentially help avoid deadly overdoses.
The Grand Island Independent - Feb. 15, 2022
State / Local
Some Pa. cannabis companies use misleading, inaccurate, or dangerous statements to promote marijuana for addiction treatment
Some Pennsylvania cannabis companies are using incomplete or misleading claims to promote marijuana as a treatment for opioid addiction, potentially putting patients’ lives at greater risk, a Spotlight PA investigation has found.
Penn Live - Feb. 21, 2022
Iowa gives naloxone to restaurants and bars in fight against opioids
The Iowa Department of Public Health is giving naloxone kits to restaurants, bars and community organizations to try and curb the rise in overdose deaths happening nationwide.
AXIOS- Feb. 18, 2022
Kentucky, Univ. of Kentucky, Launch Narcan Program to Reduce Overdose Deaths
Gov. Andy Beshear announced that through a federal grant the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the University of Kentucky are administering Narcan, a brand name for the medicine naloxone, in 16 counties at no cost to help reduce overdose deaths.
UKnow - Feb. 18. 2022
Tennessee: Former addiction clinic owner charged in Williamson County
A former addiction clinic manager in Williamson County has been charged with Tenncare fraud, drug fraud, and ID theft according to the TBI. According to the TBI, 38-year-old Lindsay Chelette used credentials of other doctors in her clinic to write, submit, and receive prescriptions for a family member.
News4 Nashville - Feb. 18, 2022
New Mexico Lawmakers Vote To Fund Drug Treatment With Marijuana Revenue, Then Quickly Reverse Decision
A Senate panel on Tuesday night voted to tie part of the state’s tax revenue from cannabis sales to addiction treatment. But minutes later, another Senate committee reversed that call and took the measure out. The sprawling $201 million anti-crime package, now contained within House Bill 68, includes some money for addiction treatment, but “it’s peanuts,” Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces) told the Senate Finance Committee.
Marijuana Moment - Feb. 17, 2022
Kansas jails use buprenorphine and naltrexone to help combat drug overdose epidemic
A recent decision to let people continue treatment for drug addiction while in the Sedgwick County Jail in Wichita reflects a significant shift in thinking at Kansas sheriffs’ offices that is gaining momentum.
KCUR - Feb. 16, 2022
Do you need an ID to buy syringes in North Carolina? It’s complicated
While there are syringe exchange programs and some county health departments that offer new needles and drug use supplies for free, they aren’t located in every community. Many people who inject drugs still rely on pharmacies for syringes. Although state law makes syringes available over-the-counter for everyone, there’s nothing in the law that prohibits a pharmacy from setting a stricter policy.
Reporter Wings - Feb. 15, 2022
Utah: Why these 2 counties in Utah opted out of the $26B nationwide opioid settlement
Small settlement share ‘ludicrous’ for hard hit rural Utah, San Juan County attorney says.
Deseret News - Feb. 15, 2022
Pennsylvania: Justice Department finds Pa. courts discriminated against people with opioid use disorder
Courts in Pennsylvania violated federal law by telling people to stop taking life-saving addiction medications, the Department of Justice recently alleged while warning of possible legal consequences if the policies continue.
Trib Live - Feb. 15, 2022
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Studies/Research in the News
Lifesaving Addiction Treatment Out of Reach for Many Americans
Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are critical to reducing overdose deaths and providing life-saving addiction treatment. But they do so only if patients are able to access services. Results from a new study by The Pew Charitable Trusts show that geography and health insurance coverage, rather than medical need, often determine whether patients can access effective treatment for OUD. Pew’s 50-state analysis of OTPs found significant disparities in care from state to state. Some individuals cannot access these critical therapies simply due to where they live or what health insurance they have.
Pew Trusts - Feb. 17, 2022
Opioid Addiction More Likely For People Who Had Covid, Study Shows
A study, looking at the health records of 154,000 former Covid patients, focused on the lingering mental health effects of infection. People who have had Covid-19 face a greater risk of developing opioid use disorders and other mental health issues, according to new findings published Wednesday in the journal the BMJ.
Rolling Stone - Feb. 17, 2022
New Study Shows Link Between Opioid Overdoses and COVID-19 Stimulus Checks
A new study by researchers in Ohio found that the record number of opioid-related deaths in the state coincided with the delivery of COVID-19 stimulus checks. The study, conducted by the Ohio Attorney General's Center for the Future of Forensic Science, used data from the Ohio Department of Health to determine that the stark increase in deaths began after the first stimulus checks were delivered. "The link between pandemic relief money and opioid overdose deaths is now evident," AG Dave Yost said in the news release. "The intent was to help Americans navigate this deadly pandemic but it also fueled a tidal wave of overdoses." [note: SLP has yet to find experts who assert a causal link between relief money and overdose deaths.]
Newsweek - Feb. 17, 2022
New data show US drug epidemic is deadlier than ever, but preventing overdoses is an uphill battle
The latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, published Wednesday, shows that drug overdose deaths have reached another record high. An estimated 104,288 people died of drug overdoses in the 12-month period ending September 2021. In September 2015, the annual death toll was about 52,000.
CNN - Feb. 16, 2022
Experimental brain surgery may help some people overcome drug addiction
Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, says deep brain stimulation was first tried on a handful of drug users in China, but little was known about the long-term outcome.
CNN - Feb. 15, 2022
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Opinion
The border crisis and its deadly drugs have reached middle schools nationwide
Responding to the surge in teen overdoses, Connecticut’s Gov. Ned Lamont is asking, “How did this happen? How is there more fentanyl on the streets than ever before?” Look south, governor. By Betsy McCaughey, a former lieutenant governor of New York.
NY Post - Feb. 19, 2022
Opinion: The ‘crack pipe’ outcry was a huge missed opportunity
Was the Biden administration planning to distribute free “crack pipes” to people who use drugs? Last week, sensational headlines and policymakers started asserting as much. Federal officials quickly clarified that no, they were not. But — notwithstanding the public uproar such a move would generate — it would have been sound public policy. In fact, there’s plenty of evidence to support this kind of move in the name of public health.
Washington Post - Feb. 18, 2022
Political furor over ‘crack pipes’ could harm efforts to stem drug deaths, advocates fear
A conservative furor over a federal grant to help address the nation’s skyrocketing overdose death toll now has advocates concerned it could harm public health services for people with addiction. Last week, conservatives seized on a single line in a $30 million package for organizations that help prevent disease, injury, and death in people with addiction.
Philadelphia Inquirer - Feb. 16, 2022
What I learned about addiction from a Czech crystal meth cook
The rural back yards of the Czech Republic hide Europe’s biggest methamphetamine problem. Users like Lenka have a complex story to tell. “I was researching ideas for a documentary when a friend told me about a village in a rural region of the Czech Republic. He half-joked that when people in this place visited their family, the grandma wouldn’t bake fresh cakes to serve with coffee, as is the custom, but fresh meth.”
The Guardian - Feb. 15, 2022
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Books and Movies
'Euphoria' Holds Up a Mirror to My Addiction Experience
This show quite literally saves me. When Euphoria first premiered, a lot of the press was focused on the cast’s cool outfits and eye makeup (shout-out Doniella Davy). Personally, I stay glued to the show because it plays out what would have happened to my life if I didn’t stop using.
Harper’s Bazaar - Feb. 21, 2022
The Urge by Carl Erik Fisher review – against the war on drugs
A psychiatrist and former addict cautions against conflating drug use with harm in this fascinating historical survey. Carl Erik Fisher takes the reader on a vivid tour over several thousand years of multiple cycles of science, medicine and literature, woven together by the thread of the author’s own alcohol and amphetamine addiction and treatment. It is made even more emphatic and moving because he is also a psychiatrist who treats such patients.
The Guardian - Feb. 19, 2022
Marvel is putting Iron Man in rehab for a "nasty" drug addiction this spring
Tony Stark deals with a new addiction, and shows that there is help. One of his most powerful stories was 1979's 'Demon in a Bottle' which saw him grapple with alcoholism - a disease that he's carried with him in the decades since, even taking part in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. According to Marvel's description of May's Iron Man #20, a recent storyline will result in him dealing with a "nasty" morphine addiction that will ultimately send him to rehab.
Games Radar - Feb. 17, 2022
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Podcasts: The Weekly Roundup
Recovery in the Middle Ages – Nat’s Super Bowl Relapse & What is self-care and why is it important?
What is self-care, and why is it important? Building off this week’s Monksters Speak, Mike and Nat do a deep dive into the concept of self-care and talk about how getting your life in balance is important to a healthy and successful recovery. Making sure you set aside the time for self-care is an important tool for attaining and maintaining that balance. But what is it really? Sometimes self-care looks like going out for a run and eating a salad, but other times it’s sitting on the sofa eating ice-cream and binging Netflix. The only way you can discover which one you really need is to develop some self-awareness. How do we do that? These guys have some ideas.
Rehab Confidential – Sean Paul Mahoney, program manager for the Mental Health and Addiction
Joe and Amy welcome back Sean Paul Mahoney, writer, recovery advocate and program manager for the Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon to talk about people addicted to fentanyl, why methadone is a better alternative than Suboxone for fentanyl users, relapses and death among recovery workers and the overlooked rise in alcohol deaths.
Flourishing After Addiction with Carl Erik Fisher, M.D. – Why history? With Prof. Benjamin Breen
In today’s episode of the Flourishing After Addiction podcast, I was really happy to talk with my friend and colleague Ben Breen, a noted historian at the University of California, Santa Cruz, who studies the history of science and drugs. Many years ago, it was Ben’s help, and his living example of wholehearted devotion to the field, that helped me to see the promise of this history for helping us in the present.
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