The Wednesday Weekly - Addiction + Recovery News, December 22, 2021
The Wednesday Weekly is a collaboration of Sober Linings Playbook and Recovery in the Middle Ages Podcast.
Highlights
National
Judge rejects Purdue Pharma settlement | U.S. sanctions Chinese drug makers | Ben Affleck’s comments open dialogue on addiction and relationships
State and Local
Michigan State Univ. student death attributed to excessive alcohol consumption | DOJ: Orange County, CA overtakes South Florida as treatment industry fraud epicenter
Studies/Research in the News
U.S. teen drug and alcohol use sees record decline in 2021 | Addiction specialists support legalization of psychedelics
Opinion
The case for harm reduction | Race matters in addiction attitudes and narratives
Reviews
Movie: Taurus explores fame and addiction | Book: Lisa Harding’s novel, ‘Bright Burning Things,’ reveals mother’s struggle with alcohol
Podcasts
Dr. Marvin Seppala on Hazelden Betty Ford’s “Let’s Talk” podcast | Recovery Elevator’s Paul Churchill on RMA | Author Catherine Gray (‘Unexpected Joy of Being Sober’) on This Naked Mind
Legislation
Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act is back | 2022 Colorado legislative proposal aims to provide resources to fight fentanyl
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(Inter)National
Jan Ullrich in Swiss clinic after alcohol addiction relapse
Jan Ullrich, winner of the Tour de France in 1997, has been admitted to a Swiss clinic after relapsing into alcoholism, according to a report in the German newspaper, Bild. The German ex-pro cyclist, who turned 48 on 2 December, had been in Cuba celebrating his birthday with friends and was reported to have been completely drunk when he boarded a flight to Mexico, from where he planned to return to Europe.
Road.cc - Dec. 21, 2021
What we can learn from Ben Affleck's comments about his marriage and addiction
For as much controversy as actor Ben Affleck stirred when talking about his marriage and addiction, he also shined a light on important conversations for addicts and their loved ones, an expert said. Marital problems and addiction have a "chicken and egg" relationship, said psychologist John F. Kelly, Harvard Medical School professor of psychiatry and director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Recovery Research Institute. The takeaway from Affleck and Garner's story should not be placing blame, said Kelly, but rather the importance of coping strategies in avoiding addictive behaviors and maintaining healthy relationships.
CNN - Dec. 18, 2021
Uncertainty follows court's rejection of Purdue opioids deal
A federal judge's decision to reject a multibillion dollar opioid settlement involving OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma is being hailed as a step toward justice by advocates who have long called for greater accountability for the family that owns the company. But not everyone involved in the arduous settlement process is celebrating, including some advocates who have lost loved ones to the nation's ongoing — and growing — addiction crisis.
ABC News - Dec. 17, 2021
22 die in Istanbul from bootleg alcohol poisoning
Deaths from bootleg alcohol aren't uncommon in Turkey where people, faced with ever-climbing alcoholic beverage prices, seek to buy cheaper drinks or turn to homemade booze.
ABC News - Dec. 17, 2021
Lose the booze, keep the spirit: Why Blake Lively and more are making nonalcoholic drinks
"I don’t drink because I don’t like the effects of alcohol, but I like being social," said Lively. That was her motivation for developing a line of mixers complex enough to stand on their own in nonalcoholic concoctions that can be just as exciting as traditional cocktails. And among millennials, Lively is no longer alone in her desire for better boozeless drink options. Taking note, young entrepreneurs have begun filling a growing niche.
Today - Dec. 17, 2021
Opioid maker agrees to stop in-person marketing to doctors
A Massachusetts pharmaceutical company, Collegium Pharmaceutical, accused of misleading doctors about the risks of its opioid product has agreed to pay $185,000 and will stop marketing to prescribers in-person, state Attorney General Maura Healey announced Thursday.
AP - Dec. 16, 2021
Lay’s Potato Vodka Highlights The Crossover Appeal Of Leading Consumer Brands And Alcohol
The announcement of the release of Lay's Potato Vodka this week is yet another example of the further blurring of the lines that once separated the alcohol industry from the rest of the consumer-packaged goods market. Available online only, the limited-edition bottle sold out in one day, creating yet more buzz from consumers looking for something different in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
Forbes - Dec. 16, 2021
Fentanyl and COVID-19 May Have Made the Opioid Epidemic Even Deadlier
The recent surge in drug overdose deaths shocked even some of the most jaded observers of American addiction: 100,306 dead from April 2020 to April 2021, the first time the toll topped six figures in a 12-month period, according to provisional data from the National Center for Health Statistics. New data released yesterday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) point to one potential culprit: illegally manufactured fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that can be 50 times more potent than heroin.
Time - Dec. 16, 2021
US sanctions Chinese drugmakers amid addiction epidemic
Biden administration targets four chemical companies and man said to be world’s leading producer of anabolic steroids.
The Guardian - Dec. 15, 2021
National State and Local Studies in the News Opinion Reviews Podcasts Leg/Advocacy Comments
State / Local
Indiana: The leading cause of death for new moms isn’t delivery complications. It’s substance use.
The leading cause of death for Hoosier women in the year following childbirth isn’t a medical complication from the delivery: It’s substance use disorder.
Indianapolis Star - Dec. 20, 2021
Vending machine dispenses free overdose-reversing naloxone kits in jail lobby
A special vending machine now occupies space in the Wayne County jail's lobby. What it dispenses can save lives.
Richmond-Palladium Times - Dec. 19, 2021
California SB-389 Guidance: Off-Sale Privileges for Certain On-Sale Licensees
This Industry Advisory provides guidance on SB-389 which authorizes expanded privileges for the sales of alcoholic beverages to-go beginning January 1, 2022. On October 8, 2021, Senate Bill 389 (Dodd, Chapter 657, Statutes of 2021)Opens in new window was signed into law. Although similar to some of the prior regulatory relief that was offered in 2020 through 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill contains key differences that will take effect when the regulatory relief expires on January 1, 2022.
California Alcoholic Beverage Control Industry Advisory - Dec. 17, 2021
East Lansing, Michigan: Police says MSU student died from alcohol intake at fraternity
Nearly a month after the death of Michigan State University student Phat Nguyen, officials have confirmed excessive alcohol consumption as the cause of death.
WLNS - Dec. 17, 2021
West Michigan city that was ‘dry’ until 15 years ago may remove cap on businesses serving alcohol and more
In 2006, Zeeland ended its nearly 100-year-old ban on alcohol sales and allowed up to four restaurants to serve alcohol for on-site consumption. Now, in an effort to attract new businesses downtown and accommodate existing businesses, Zeeland leaders are proposing to revamp the restrictions they put in place when first allowing alcohol sales.
M Live - Dec. 17, 2021
Orange County, CA: Dept. of Justice says Orange County is now nation’s center for addiction treatment fraud
Criminal charges filed Thursday against 10 operators in O.C. is part of a broader sting. The Dept. of Justice is filing criminal charges against ten people who run drug and alcohol addiction businesses in Orange County, saying the county has overtaken South Florida as the national epicenter for addiction industry fraud.
Orange County Register - Dec. 16, 2021
Santa Cruz, CA Needle Exchange: Lawsuit Against Harm Reduction Coalition Dismissed
A Sacramento Superior Court Judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the Harm Reduction Coalition of Santa Cruz County (HRC), a group that provides services for people that use drugs, many of whom are homeless. In a 30-page ruling, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Laurie Earl pointed out that Assembly Bill 1344—signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October—exempts syringe exchange programs from environmental review and therefore rendered the CEQA part of the lawsuit moot.
Good Times (Santa Cruz) - Dec. 16, 2021
Maine police chief's daughter shares struggles with opioid addiction
The daughter of a Maine police chief is sharing her journey from opioid addiction to recovery in hopes of helping other Mainers. “It was so fast from fun to not fun anymore that I was trapped at that point,” Kaitlin MacKenzie said. She said she began using prescription drugs after surgery. She said the drugs were easy to get and she wasn’t aware she had an addiction until her life began to center around the drugs.
WMTW - Dec. 16, 2021
$30 million SAMHSA grant could boost Florida’s harm reduction programs
A first-of-its-kind grant program under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will provide nearly $30 million over three years to support community-based harm reduction services at the state, local, and tribal government levels.
State of Reform - Dec. 14, 2021
Texas: New recovery high school in San Antonio seeks to support youth overcoming addiction
For parents who have tried everything they can to save their child from addiction but can’t seem to make progress, there’s another resource available, says Bea Blackmon, the Rise Inspire Academy Program Administrator. The creation of the recovery high school in San Antonio resulted from a collaboration of love and a response to a need, Blackmon said.
KSAT - Dec. 14, 2021
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Studies/Research in the News
Most Addiction Specialists Support Legalized Psychedelics
The majority of addiction specialists, including psychiatrists, believe psychedelics are promising for the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) and psychiatric illnesses and, with some caveats, support legalization of the substances for these indications, results of a new survey show.
Medscape - Dec. 16, 2021
Deadly Car Accidents Involving Cannabis and Alcohol Have Doubled in 20 Years
In a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health, researchers are noticing a pattern that suggests alcohol might not be the only culprit of impaired driving. Researchers from Boston Medical Center, Boston University, and the University of Victoria in British Columbia found that deadly car crashes involving both cannabis and alcohol consumption have more than doubled in the United States in the past two decades, as have car crash deaths involving just cannabis.
The Brink, Boston University - Dec. 16, 2021
US teen drug, alcohol use sees record decline in 2021
Drug and alcohol use among U.S. teens saw a record decline in 2021, according to a nationwide survey published Wednesday. The survey, called Monitoring the Future, tracks substance use among eighth, 10th and 12th graders in public and private schools. Between February and June this year, researchers surveyed over 32,000 students.
USA Today - Dec. 16, 2021
Federal Agencies Want Psychedelic Research
An African plant used by indigenous peoples in rites of passage contains a substance, Ibogaine, that many who’ve struggled with Opioid addiction claim has cured them of their condition. Now the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is taking notice and working with a pharmaceutical startup to figure out exactly how Ibogaine and its analogues might best be used to beat drug dependency.
Addiction Center - Dec. 15, 2021
We really did buy more alcohol during the early pandemic, study finds
A new analysis of alcohol sales in a sampling of American states has found panic buying of hard liquor and wine also spiked.
CNN - Dec. 15, 2021
Drink think: Why expectation is alcohol's most potent mixer
People's prior beliefs about alcohol can strongly influence how they act when intoxicated – and even change their behaviour when they're sober,
BBC - Dec. 15, 2021
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Opinion
Christmas TV shows and their message to those dealing with addiction
Ironically, the popular start for many of the Christmas Season is signaled not by church services but by Christmas specials on television. Let’s use some classic Christmas shows for some insight to help navigate the holidays.
Gaston Gazette - Dec. 19, 2021
Harm Reduction Could Help in the Opioid Crisis, If Our Health Care System Wasn't Broken
In the face of unprecedented opioid overdose deaths, the people most at risk can’t reliably access care—including life-saving treatments like methadone and buprenorphine.
The New Republic - Dec. 17, 2021
Inequality in treatment for opioid use disorder
Attitudes around substance use began to change only once white communities started experiencing high rates of dependence and death from opioids. There are signs, however, that this more enlightened attitude and view of addiction does not extend to all opioid victims.
Charlotte Observer - Dec. 17, 2021
FDA should make naloxone available without a prescription, advocates argue
Now, as overdose deaths nationwide reach all-time highs, the Biden administration has made increasing access to naloxone a key part of its overdose prevention strategy. But the administration has not addressed the greatest barrier to obtaining the lifesaving medication: naloxone's prescription-only status.
NPR - Dec. 14, 2021
National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Podcasts Leg/Advocacy Comments
Reviews
Taurus Movie: Megan Fox, Ruby Rose and More Join Colson Baker Drama
Taurus explores the darkness of fame, addiction, the artistic process, and the music industry as it tells the story of a troubled musician (Baker) on the rise in the industry. The film follows Baker's character as he spends all of his time searching endlessly for the inspiration to record one last song.
Collider - Dec. 16, 2021
Play: ‘Tis The Season: A Review of ‘When Harry Met Rehab’
Written by Harry Teinowitz (who had a twenty-five-year radio career in Chicago) and Spike Manton, this production is a retelling of Harry’s time in rehab. This play undoubtedly will resonate strongly with anyone affected by alcoholism.
New City Stage - Dec. 14, 2021
Book Review: 'Bright Burning Things,' by Lisa Harding
If you’re interested in a novel that gives authentic voice to a modern woman’s alcoholism, pick up this smart, sensitive book about Sonya and her 4-year-old son, Tommy, as they weather a very difficult year. Harding’s December novel is, at its foundation, just the right story for this season: a woman who saves herself to give her son the ultimate gift of a healthy parent.
Washington Post - Dec. 13, 2021
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Podcasts: The Weekly Roundup
Let’s Talk Addiction and Recovery (Hazelden Betty Ford) – The Science and Spirit of Recovery: A Farewell Conversation with Marvin Seppala, MD
Before he retired as Chief Medical Officer Dr. Marvin Seppala shared a few of his quintessential lessons and memories from the past 40 years. To name a few: Our pressing need to belong and be loved. The timeless and abiding wisdom behind the Twelve Steps. And the opportunity now for science to further their legacy. Tune in for this wonderful conversation between Dr. Seppala and host William C. Moyers, longtime coworkers and friends.
Recovery in the Middle Ages – Author (‘Alcohol is Shit’) and Podcast Host (Recovery Elevator) Paul Churchill Discusses Life, Love and Recovery
Saddle up! Today RMA sits down with Paul Churchill, host of Recovery Elevator and author of the book, Alcohol is Sh*t, How to Ditch the Booze, Re-ignite Your Life, and Recover the Person you Were Always Meant to be. In February 2015 Paul launched the Recovery Elevator Podcast as an accountability tool to quit drinking. Today, the podcast has surpassed 3 million downloads, is in the 95th percentile of all podcasts on iTunes and has been downloaded in all 50 states and over 145 countries. We had a great conversation with Paul, and we’re really excited to share it with you.
Rehab Confidential – Dr. Joseph Yi, Addiction Psychiatrist
Joe and Amy sit down with Dr. Joseph Yi, a Board Certified Addiction Psychiatrist who specializes in Holistic Psychiatry and Detoxification. He gives us the low down on the “4 pillars of wellness”, the role of nutrition in mental health and recovery, the rise of technology addiction and his personal take on psychedelics and cannabis.
This Naked Mind Podcast – Finding Joy with Caterine Gray (‘The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober’)
Best-selling author Catherine Gray joins Annie to discuss the unexpected joy she finds in being alcohol-free. Find out how Catherine’s obsessive desire to become more informed about what she was putting in her body helped her escape the allure of alcohol. And how her new lifestyle continues to open doors for joy to keep coming.
Dopey – The hills are alive with the sound of Dopey, (reality TV star) Jason Wahler, Adderall, Booze, Relapse, Cocaine, MTV, Recovery
This week on Dopey! The Hills are alive - With the sound of Dopey! (if you sing it, it sounds better). This week Dave travels to Los Angeles and records with old and dear friend Aurora! They reminisce about past relapses, recovery and Aurora's dad. Then we are joined by MTV's The Hills and Laguna Beach's Jason Wahler. Jason lets it all fly on his journey to stardom, addiction and alcoholism. Jason shares his recovery story and then talks about his last relapse on Adderral and how he stays clean and gives back to the addict community in Southern California and beyond. PLUS a voicemail from Instagram Addiction meme Super Star, @Brutal Recovery! All that and maybe a bit more on a brand new episode of your favorite old podcast.
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Legislation
Press Release: Kuster, Warren, Baldwin, Maloney Lead More than 100 Democrats in Senate and House in Reintroducing Landmark CARE Act To Combat the Substance Use Epidemic
Today, Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), along with Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representative David Trone (MD-06) led over 100 democrats in the Senate and House in reintroducing the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, the most ambitious legislation ever introduced in Congress to confront the substance use epidemic. Endorsed by over 175 organizations, the CARE Act would provide state and local governments with $125 billion in federal funding over ten years, including nearly $1 billion per year directly to tribal governments and organizations. Originally introduced in 2018 by Senator Warren and the late Representative Elijah E. Cummings, the updated CARE Act of 2021 addresses the substance use disorder crisis, including, but not limited to, the opioid epidemic.
Office of Congresswoman Ann McLane Kluster - Dec. 16, 2021
Colorado seeks to bolster fentanyl fight amid overdose crisis
Colorado officials on Thursday announced legislation that would boost law enforcement resources to fight the distribution of fentanyl, part of efforts to stem an opioid crisis that has the state on track to surpass last year’s record for the largest number of overdose deaths in a single year. The proposed law, which will be introduced during the 2022 legislative session, aims to disrupt drug supply chains, dismantle drug networks, increase public awareness of fentanyl risks and increase the ability to identify fentanyl production during distribution, Republican state Sen. Kevin Priola said.
Herald and Review - Dec. 16, 2021