Addiction, CRAFT, Family, Support

Substance use disorder, particularly opioid use disorder (OUD), remains a pressing health crisis in the United States. Despite the availability of effective treatments like methadone and buprenorphine, access to these therapies is severely limited due to regulatory and systemic barriers in the US. Drawing insights from an existing article by Dr. Safina Adatia, this piece aims to explore ways to enhance OUD treatment accessibility, especially by learning from Canada's more inclusive approach. From Dr. Safina Adatia The current landscape of opioid use disorder treatment in the U.S. is restrictive and riddled with challenges that prevent adequate patient access to life-saving medications. Methadone, a gold-standard treatment, is subject to rigid prescribing regulations, limiting it to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and specific healthcare providers. While buprenorphine is more accessible, the prevalence of fentanyl in the drug supply makes methadone a more viable option for many patients due to fewer severe side effects.In contrast, Canada has implemented a more flexible model that allows patients to obtain methadone from various healthcare providers, including primary care physicians and nurse practitioners. Additionally, refills via telehealth services and community pharmacies facilitate easier access. The result? Up to 85% of people with OUD in Vancouver have access to therapy, whereas only about 20% in the U.S. benefit from such treatments. Legislative efforts in the U.S., like the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, aim to improve this situation but fall short of making significant changes. What We Can Conclude The data and observations provided by Dr. Adatia suggest that the U.S. urgently needs to modernize its approach to OUD treatment. The barriers in place not only prevent effective treatment but also perpetuate the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. By restricting methadone prescriptions to OTPs and limiting the range of healthcare providers who can prescribe it, the system effectively discourages those who are most in need of help. Policies that continue to separate OUD treatment from general healthcare contribute to a fragmented system that fails to address the chronic nature of substance addiction. Insights While legislative changes are crucial, a shift in the cultural and systemic approach to handling OUD is equally important. Clinicians and advocates must push for a healthcare model where addiction treatment is seen as part of general health care and not segregated. This holistic approach can lead to more resilient and inclusive healthcare systems capable of addressing the complexities of substance use disorders.In conclusion, exploring and adopting successful strategies from international models can significantly enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of opioid use disorder treatments in the United States. By advocating for policy reform, supporting integrated care, leveraging telehealth, and working toward stigma reduction, healthcare providers can play a vital role in transforming OUD treatment paradigms and ultimately saving lives. Original ArticleFrom STAT News: "To get basic standard addiction treatment, Americans should move to Canada"By Safina Adatia on June 27, 2024 Read the Full Article Get a Free Trial InterAct offers virtual care solutions and referral solutions to treatment programs for extended care after in-patient treatment, family support programs and intensive outpatient services.  Start Free Today

Addiction, CRAFT, Family, Support

The pivotal role of family support often remains overlooked or minimized in addiction treatment, despite its profound impact on an individual's recovery journey. Addiction programs frequently sideline family involvement, focusing primarily on the individual struggling with substance use. This article explores the reasons behind this neglect and the implications it holds for both individuals seeking treatment and their families. Programs often prioritize the individual struggling with addiction, which can lead to less focus on family members or caregivers. Limited resources, including funding and staffing constraints, may result in narrower services and deprioritization of family support programs. Some individuals in treatment prefer to keep their addiction private from family members due to stigma or privacy concerns, leading to limited family involvement by treatment programs. Additionally, professionals may lack training in family therapy, creating gaps in services tailored to family dynamics. Historical treatment models traditionally overlooked the impact on families but are gradually evolving. The Implications of Bypassing the Family 1. Increased Burden on the Family Families may experience heightened stress, anxiety, and uncertainty when they lack access to supportive resources. They may struggle to cope with the challenges of addiction on their own, leading to emotional and psychological strain. 2. Limited Understanding of Addiction Dynamics Without adequate education and support, families may have a limited understanding of addiction and its impact. This can perpetuate misunderstandings, stigma, and ineffective coping strategies within the family unit. 3. Risk of Relapse and Continued Dysfunction Family dynamics and unresolved issues can contribute to a higher risk of relapse for individuals in recovery. Without family-focused interventions, underlying dysfunction or triggers within the family may persist, hindering long-term recovery. 4.  Missed Opportunities for Healing & Growth Family support services offer opportunities for healing, communication, and growth within the family system. The underutilization of these services may prevent families from addressing underlying issues and rebuilding relationships. 5. Limited Holistic Approach to Recovery Recovery from addiction is often most effective when it involves a holistic approach that includes family support. Neglecting family involvement can result in a less comprehensive treatment plan that overlooks important factors contributing to addiction and recovery. 6. Impact on Children & Adolescents Families with children or adolescents affected by parental addiction may face unique challenges. The underutilization of family support services can negatively impact children's well-being and development, perpetuating intergenerational cycles of addiction. 7.  Reduced Long-Term Treatment Success Family involvement is associated with better treatment outcomes and long-term success in recovery. Without adequate family support, treatment programs may see lower rates of sustained sobriety and wellness among individuals seeking help. Get a Free Trial InterAct offers virtual care solutions and referral solutions to treatment programs for extended care after in-patient treatment, family support programs and intensive outpatient services.  Start Free Today

Mental Health

At a GlanceThe CDC reported a 3.1% decrease in US drug overdose deaths in 2023, marking the first decline in five years. Despite this, over 100,000 fatalities occurred nationwide, with increases observed in 15 states and Washington, DC. Deaths from synthetic opioids and heroin declined, while those related to methamphetamine and cocaine rose. Significant reductions were seen in Nebraska (25%) and Indiana (18%), but Alaska experienced a 44% increase. Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, accounted for the majority of opioid-related deaths. The DEA emphasized a shift towards synthetic drugs trafficked by cartels, reflecting the severity of the ongoing drug crisis in the US. The Statistics 3.1%Decline in drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2023100K+Overdose deaths each year nationwide44%Increase in deaths in Alaska, the highest in the nation. 5 Key Takeaways Decrease in Overdose Deaths The CDC reported a 3.1% decline in drug overdose deaths in the US for 2023, marking the first decrease in five years. An estimated 107,543 people died from overdoses, down from 111,029 in 2022, indicating some progress in combating the epidemic. High National Death Toll Despite the overall decline, the death toll remains alarmingly high with over 100,000 fatalities nationwide. This underscores that the drug overdose crisis is still a major public health issue, with the CDC emphasizing the need for continued efforts to prevent overdose deaths. Regional Variances Significant regional differences were observed. States like Nebraska and Indiana saw reductions of 25% and 18%, respectively, while Alaska experienced a 44% increase, the highest in the country. This highlights the uneven progress and the need for targeted interventions in different areas. Shift in Drug Trends There was a decline in deaths from synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, and heroin, while fatalities related to methamphetamine and cocaine increased. This shift indicates changing patterns in drug use and the evolving nature of the overdose crisis. Mexican Cartels The DEA noted a significant increase in the trafficking of synthetic drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine, largely driven by Mexican cartels. Seizures of fentanyl powder nearly doubled, and fentanyl pill seizures tripled from 2021 to 2023, illustrating the growing threat from synthetic, chemical-based drugs. About MedscapeMedscape is the leading online global destination for physicians and healthcare professionals worldwide, offering the latest medical news and expert perspectives; essential point-of-care drug and disease information; and relevant professional education and CME. Medscape membership is free and gives you unlimited access to the entire network of sites and services.Read the full article

Mental Health

At a Glance"There are few if any nationally representative surveys that collect information on parent-child relationship quality. Gallup’s work in this area is meant to provide baseline results to inform future research and better understanding about the circumstances and beliefs that drive mental health and wellbeing. The findings on parent-child relationships, from Gallup’s 2023 Familial and Adolescent Health Survey, expand on recently published research that found social media use is high among U.S. teenagers and associated with poor mental health and less parental regulation of screen time. Another study in this series found that warm, disciplined parenting practices and high-quality parent-child relationships predict better mental health among teens." The Results from the Gallup Poll The Key Takeaway High-quality parent-child relationships are crucial for the well-being of both parties, significantly reducing children's risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts while promoting positive social development and long-term mental health. These benefits are consistent across race, ethnicity, income, and education levels. Conservative parents often exhibit stronger relationships with their children, possibly due to disciplined and structured parenting practices, such as limit-setting and consistent rule enforcement, which, when combined with parental warmth, support adolescent health and psychological development. Promoting these practices could benefit families and communities nationwide. About GallupWe are a global analytics and advisory firm. 3,900+organizations use our workplace performance platform. Grounded in our public opinion survey research expertise with 85+years of data collection experience.  Powered by our ability to ask the right questions with 99%of the world's population represented by the Gallup World PollRead the full article

Addiction, CRAFT, Family, Support

During Mental Health Awareness Month, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of prioritizing mental health. This observance underscores the importance of raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting understanding of mental health challenges. By focusing on mental health, we can encourage open conversations, provide support, and advocate for accessible resources and treatment options. It is an opportunity to highlight the impact of mental health on individuals, families, and communities, emphasizing the need for proactive approaches to mental well-being throughout the year. Reasons Focusing on Mental Health is Important 1 in 5 US Adults will experience a mental health illness this year. 47% Only 47% of adults with mental illness seek treatment. 1 in 20 Adults who have their mental illness categorized as severe. 65.4% Adults with a severe mental illness seek and receive treatment. 50% Of lifetime mental illnesses begin at the age of 14. 75% Of lifetime mental illnesses begin at by the age of 24 90% Of Americans believe that there is a mental health crisis in America today. Get a Free Trial InterAct offers virtual care solutions and referral solutions to treatment programs for extended care after in-patient treatment, family support programs and intensive outpatient services.  Start Free Today