The Wednesday Weekly Addiction + Recovery News Clips - April 26, 2023
The Wednesday Weekly is a collaboration of Sober Linings Playbook and Recovery in the Middle Ages Podcast.
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Highlights
National
Biden administration seeks to curb overdoses in jails and prisons | Narcan’s OTC may put it out of reach for some
Fentanyl
Biden administration releases National Drug Control Strategy | How fentanyl affects the body
State and Local
Seattle “contingency management” program slammed for “gamifying” addiction treatment | Alberta considers involuntary treatment for people struggling with addiction
Studies/Research in the News
Primary care physician treatment for opioid use disorders can reduce OD risk | Univ. of New Mexico to study MDMA for treating opioid use disorder
Opinion
Maia Szalavitz examines free will in addiction | Son uses harm reduction strategies to help father
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National
This 18-Year-Old Developed a Test to Find Out If Your Drink Has Been Spiked
The simple and inexpensive sensor detects the antihistamine in “Benadryl cocktails.” This innovation is what made Fogarty one of 40 finalists in the 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the country’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.
Smithsonian - April 24, 2023
Sacklers Gave Millions to Institution That Advises on Opioid Policy
For the past decade, the White House and Congress have relied on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, a renowned advisory group, to help shape the federal response to the opioid crisis, whether by convening expert panels or delivering policy recommendations and reports. Yet officials with the National Academies have kept quiet about one thing: their decision to accept roughly $19 million in donations from members of the Sackler family, the owners of Purdue Pharma, the maker of the drug OxyContin that is notorious for fueling the opioid epidemic.
New York Times - April 23, 2023
National prescription drug takeback day aims to help prevent addiction amongst the community
Saturday is National Drug Take Back Day, designated by the Drug Enforcement Administration to remove unneeded prescription medication from homes. This is the 24th year the DEA has held this event. It offers the public an opportunity to anonymously dispose of their old, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs.
KRDO - April 22, 2023
In Jails and Prisons, the White House Sees a Chance to Curtail Opioid Overdoses
The Biden administration this week accelerated efforts to fund opioid addiction treatment in jails and prisons, a core part of its drug policy agenda, calling on states to adopt a novel Medicaid program that will cover health care for incarcerated people.
New York Times - April 21, 2023
America's problem with managing chronic pain and the addiction crisis
The Food and Drug Administration's attempts to manage the overdose crisis by reining in on the use of narcotics are weighing on patients with chronic pain, who say the result has been harder-to-fill prescriptions and heightened withdrawal and suicide risks.
Axios - April 21, 2023
Recovery simulation helps participants understand complexity of addiction recovery process
Roughly 80 people attended the three-hour-long simulation, held at Easy Does It Inc in Bern Township. Approximately half of the participants received life cards representing individuals in early recovery during the recovery simulation event. Participants visited various tables to complete tasks listed on their cards, and volunteers were available to help. Tasks on a life card included meeting a probation officer, applying for social services, attending counseling, and using public transportation. “All of our participants are people who don’t have first-hand lived experience. They are trying to gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be a person in early recovery and all the challenges one is faced,” said Scott Althouse, Executive Director of Easy Does It, Inc.
Berks Weekly - April 21, 2023
Hallucinogen (LSD) addiction: definition, symptoms and treatment
Addiction to hallucinogens (LSD) seems to be a relic of the past, in reality it is one of the addictions a rescuer has to deal with on his or her ambulance shift and in the emergency room.
Emergency Live - April 21, 2023
Narcan’s over-the-counter price will still put it out of reach for many, experts say
The life-saving drug “Narcan” is expected to be available over-the-counter later this year, but its price tag is expected to put it out of reach for many below the poverty line. Emergent BioSolutions announced Thursday that it plans to sell the medication, which can reverse the deadly affects of opioid overdoses, for an average of less than $50 for two doses. Even though the estimated over-the-counter price is significantly less than the current list price (about $130 for a two-dose box), it may still be too much.
New York Daily News - April 20, 2023
Christie attends discussion on addiction in NH
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie attended a roundtable discussion on addiction and recovery Thursday in New Hampshire as he considers another run for president. "If we're dealing with folks who have an addiction issue, who have not acted out violently, sending them to prison is just creating a cycle of 'wash, repeat, wash, repeat' over and over again," Christie said. "That's not going to solve the crime problem and is going to make our society weaker."
WMUR - April 20, 2023
In High School, in Recovery: The spiritual and practical challenges facing teens with addiction
The challenge of addressing addiction can be particularly difficult when it comes to treating young people. Educators, administrators and policy specialists are still rolling out new ideas for helping adolescents cope with addiction to opiates. There are more and more responses that explicitly address the plight of people under 18.
American Magazine - April 20, 2023
14 Jokes About Addiction for the Comedy Hall of Fame
From open mics to sold-out stadiums, some of the best bits in comedy revolve around turning the lemons of that battle into lemonade (sometimes literally if they gave up alcohol). With this in mind, today we’re looking at some of the funniest and painfully relatable takes on addiction from the world of comedy.
Cracked.com - April 18, 2023
The dangers of food addiction
Food, air, and water are the elements we all need to survive. But our relationship with food can be unhealthy, leading to several problems. Specifically, a recent poll found many of us are addicted to highly processed foods. And addicted is the correct word. "We have studies looking at if your parents were alcoholics. There was a new study showing that you were more likely to be going into food addiction."
CBS - April 18, 2023
National State and Local Studies in the News Opinion Comments
Fentanyl
Experts discuss fentanyl addiction, effects on the body
As part of Douglas County’s Youth Initiative Facts about Fentanyl discussion, Lindsey Simbeye, an external relations strategist for Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention explained how opioids such as fentanyl work in the body and how to reverse an overdose.
Parker Chronicle - April 21, 2023
Fentanyl and the U.S. Opioid Epidemic
Fentanyl and other opioids are fueling the worst drug crisis in the history of the United States. More than 1,500 people per week die from taking some type of opioid, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, making opioids by far the leading cause of fatal overdoses in the country. A year after taking office, President Biden released his first National Drug Control Strategy [PDF]. The plan prioritizes expanding access to treatment and harm-reduction interventions, including the use of naloxone, which is used to reverse overdoses, and drug test strips. It also aims to curb drug trafficking.
Council on Foreign Relations - April 19, 2023
State / Local
New York: Helping veterans, battling opioid addiction driving magic mushroom legislation progress
Forty lawmakers, 36 Democrats and 4 Republicans, have co-sponsored a bill aiming to allow for the medical use of psilocybin and a psilocybin therapy grant program, which is currently sitting at the committee level of the Assembly, with its Senate version also in committee. Research has shown that psilocybin, an organic psychedelic compound, can benefit people with cluster headaches, depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, ADHD and obsessive compulsive disorder, but it's getting the most universal traction because of its impact on those suffering from PTSD.
CBS News6 Albany - April 23, 2023
Minnesota: New Twin Cities magazine is made by and for those who've dealt with substance abuse
There's a new magazine based right here in the Twin Cities, and it's what the creators all have in common that makes it unique. A room full of artists focused on a heavy subject. It's full of photography, poetry and candid interviews on recovery options all from people who get it. "There are some really talented people in active use, active abuse or who have chosen recovery," Veils said.
CBS - April 23, 2023
California: Proposal for mental health and addiction beds for L.A.’s unhoused community heard Thursday
On Thursday, a judge reviewed a proposed settlement with the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights that would advocate for the addition of 1,450 hospital beds for unhoused people with mental illness or substance abuse.
USC Annenberg Media -April 21, 2023
Kansas: Kicking addiction is a team effort in drug court
Dickinson County’s Drug Court passed its one-year anniversary in March and is edging closer to graduating its first participants. Although the program is new in Dickinson County the Drug Court concept has been in practice around the country since the late 1980s.
Abilene RC - April 21, 2023
Kentucky: Officials continuing to fight against drug epidemic
For the first time since 2018, drug overdose deaths decreased in Kentucky. Data from the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center shows the number of deaths decreased by five percent. On Thursday in the ‘Team Kentucky’ update, Governor Andy Beshear said that he is hopeful to see the number continue to decrease. “It is important that we note that because it ought to give us at least hope. Hope that progress is possible. Hope that we can see fewer deaths next year than we saw this year. A hope that we can get people better and back with their families, back in society, back in a good job,” Governor Beshear explained.
WYMT - April 21, 2023
Maryland Lt. Gov. Miller leads addiction discussion at sober house
Former Hagerstown Mayor Emily Keller remarked at the end of a meeting Thursday morning at Brooke's House substance recovery center about how drug addiction treatment used to be viewed. It wasn't too long ago, she said, that everyone believed an individual went away to a rehab facility for a month or so of treatment and was considered cured. Keller, now special secretary for opioid response in Gov. Wes Moore's cabinet, was joined by dozens of recovering drug users, health care professionals, police, lawmakers, first responders, government administrators and others discussing ways to get ahead of a public health crisis some say shows no signs of letting up.
Herald Mail Media - April 21, 2023
Maryland: After school recovery clubhouse helps Montgomery County students struggling with addiction
In Montgomery County, a center in Gaithersburg is helping students ages 12-17 get on the right track and on a path to graduating. Every morning, students are bussed to the clubhouse at The Landing where they get one-on-one help with school work, and encouragement to reach their recovery goals in a safe and sober environment.
Fox 5 D.C. - April 21, 2023
Washington: Seattle slammed for plan to give gift cards to drug addicts who accept treatment: 'Gamifying addiction'
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell's new plan to combat his city's drug crisis is under fire from critics who claim bribing addicts with incentives to get treatment could make the problem worse. The "contingency management" program, according to Harrell's webpage, aims to "encourage individuals with substance use disorder to accept treatment services by providing incentives" for partaking in a 12-week program administered at home instead of at a medical clinic. Incentives include low-dollar gift cards and cash, among others.
Fox - April 20, 2023
Canada: Alberta weighing involuntary treatment law for people with addiction
Colin Aitchison, Milliken's press secretary, said in an emailed statement Wednesday afternoon that "department officials within Alberta Mental Health and Addiction explored a variety of options, including the potential development of a Compassionate Intervention Act."
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - April 19, 2023
Las Vegas begins opioid settlement spending process
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and members of the city council began the process Wednesday of determining how best to spend its share of millions of dollars from opioid manufacturers and distributors. Based on state legislation, NRS 433, approved settlement spending options included early intervention to persons at risk of substance use disorders, prevent and treat infectious diseases in those with substance use disorders and provide housing for those in recovery.
News3LV - April 19, 2023
Minnesota: Juul, Altria settle with Minnesota over teen vaping addiction
E-cigarette company Juul Labs Inc and its former largest investor, Marlboro maker Altria Group Inc. on Monday settled claims by the state of Minnesota that accused them of fueling teen vaping addiction. Minnesota's lawsuit, filed in 2019, was the first to go to trial of thousands by state governments, school districts and individuals around the country against Juul and Altria over underage vaping. The settlement was announced by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and by Juul as a trial in the case, which had kicked off in late March, was nearing its end.
Reuters - April 17, 2023
Studies/Research in the News
‘Addiction medicine is primary care’: Patients who visit their primary care doctor for opioid addiction treatment reduce their overdose risk, a new study suggests
According to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh, primary care physicians who care for people with addiction can prevent more people from dying of an overdose. Patients in a hypothetical model who got both buprenorphine and harm reduction tools from a primary care doctor were 33% percent less likely to die due to an infection from drug use or an overdose.
Philadelphia Inquirer - April 25, 2023
Researchers will study MDMA-assisted therapy for opioid addiction; Book re-examines humans' impact on the environment
Dr. Larry Leeman is medical director for the University of New Mexico’s Milagro Program. He and his colleagues are launching a pilot study that combines trauma-focused therapy with doses of the psychedelic MDMA – also called ecstasy or molly – to see if this can help new mothers permanently overcome their drug dependency.
KUNM - April 21, 2023
Opinion
Is there free will in addiction? This is what neuroscientists and philosophers understand about addiciton
Was my brain hijacked by drugs — or was I willfully choosing to risk it all for a few hours of selfish pleasure? What makes people continue taking drugs like street fentanyl, which put them at daily risk of death? These questions are at the heart of drug policy and the way we view and treat addiction. But simplistic answers have stymied efforts to ameliorate drug use disorders and reduce stigma. Research now shows that addiction doesn’t mean either being completely subject to irresistible impulses, or making totally free choices. Addiction’s effects on decision-making are complex. Understanding them can help policymakers, treatment providers and family members aid recovery.
New York Times - April 24, 2023
My Dad Is A Crack User. It Drove Us Apart — Until I Had An Epiphany That Changed Everything
In July of 2019, I took an Amtrak train from my home in Boston to my father’s apartment outside of New York City. I had one intention for this visit: to help my father, who is an active crack cocaine user, prevent a fatal drug overdose. Specifically, I was traveling to New York to provide him Narcan (the opioid overdose reversal medicine) and fentanyl testing strips, as well as to teach him how to use them effectively. I had been spurred to action after he had shared with me that his most recent batch of cocaine had likely been spiked with fentanyl, the potent synthetic opioid fueling our nation’s overdose crisis.
Huffington Post - April 18, 2023
My vaping addiction came out of nowhere – and I’m finding it impossible to quit
Scientists don’t know yet whether vapes are harmful. So why is the UK government handing them out? Vapes might be better for you than smoking but this isn’t a great starting point. Anything that is addictive enough to have you shelling out hundreds of pounds a month against your better judgment can’t be good for society. Despite this, the government announced plans this week to offer e-cigarette starter kits for free to people trying to quit smoking. I get it. Quitting smoking sucks.
The Guardian - April 18, 2023