Overdose Prevention and Education

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. is spearheading an initiative focused on overdose prevention and education. Nationwide the number of deaths due to prescription and non-prescription drugs out numbers the deaths related to motor vehicle accidents. This number has continually increased over the years and Bucks County is not immune to the nationwide trend.

According to 2010 information from the Bucks County Coroner’s Office, of all deaths that involved toxicology, 65.8% were directly related to drugs. 37.2% of those deaths were of people under the age of 30. This number reported by the coroner’s office has almost doubled in the past four years. Oxycodone, Xanax, Heroin, Codeine and Morphine were among the highest reported drugs found at the time of death.

There have been initiatives of varying levels in other states from education and awareness, to passing laws giving immunity to those responding to an overdose by calling 911 and establishing programs that distribute a lifesaving antidote to an opioid overdose. Bucks County needs to take action.

This site will include information on the progress of the newly formed Overdose Prevention and Education Advisory Board’s presentations, steps taking place in other communities, legislative actions that are initiated, education and information on drugs and overdose, and resources and references.

If you would like to become involved in this initiative please click on the Advisory Board link and check the calendar or contact Valerie Fahie, Overdose Prevention Coordinator at 215-230-8218 x 3158 orvfahie@councilsepa.org.

Who Should Treat Addiction?

By Dr. Stuart Gitlow | March 30, 2012 | 23 Comments | Filed in Addiction &Healthcare

Think about a patient with addiction. He seeks attention for his illness and would like treatment. Should he go to a counselor, a nurse practitioner or a physician? How would his treatment differ in each case? If you’d like to shake things up further, please add psychologists and social workers to the mixture.

If our hypothetical patient is seen by a nurse practitioner in an ambulatory setting yet fails to improve with respect to his addiction, has he failed medical treatment? Would the next step be for the patient to see a physician? Or would it be to enter a more intensive treatment setting?

Our nation is moving quickly toward an environment in which a greater quantity of medical care will be delivered by clinicians who have not attended medical school. Interestingly, we already have that environment in the field of addiction, and have had that scenario for decades. What we do not know, however, is whether this approach is efficacious for the treatment of patients.

Take a simple research study: 200 patients with newly diagnosed addictive disease are divided into two groups matched by age, sex and socioeconomic background, as well as by drug of choice. One group is seen by addiction specialist physicians, the other by addiction specialists who are not physicians, and both are seen with the same frequency and intensity. At 12 months, determine whether there is a difference between the two groups in terms of recovery rate as defined by abstinence and functional improvement.

The study has never been performed.

No one has ever bothered to determine whether social workers are better than physicians at treating addictive illness, or whether physicians are better than psychologists. And though no one has ever bothered to determine if surgical nurses could perform appendectomies successfully, or if counselors can treat life-threatening illnesses like cancer, there has not been a need to answer those questions. So addiction is in an odd place: there is no proof that non-MD/DO care has sufficient quality to be utilized as a replacement for physician-based treatment, yet non-physician treatment already represents the standard in many locations. And of course, there is no proof that non-MD/DO care does not have sufficient quality either.

In the vast majority of patients coming to my practice, prior misdiagnosis or mistreatment reigns high on the problem list on initial intake. Patients treated incorrectly for depressive illness when they have sedative-induced depression, patients treated with combinations of sedatives and stimulants for alleged anxiety accompanying ADHD, patients with known alcoholism prescribed benzodiazepines for mild insomnia or anxiety: the list goes on and on, with physicians in my community being as much to blame as other clinicians.

Addiction is a complex lifelong disease which, if unaddressed, commonly results in death of the patient. Shouldn’t we have some research to determine to whom these patients should be referred?

Stuart Gitlow, MD, MPH, MBA, is Executive Director of the Annenberg Physician Training Program in Addictive Disease and Associate Clinical Professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He is Acting President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

RECOVERY ROCKS RADIO!

Holistic Lifestyles Radio Network Directory

Be a part of the online directory on the Holistic Lifestyles Radio Network. Join today at no cost. We want to pass on your business info to people who need your goods or services.

Our directory is broken up into categories designed to help you find what your looking for
Like the following to name a few:
Radio shows,podcasts,informative blogs, addiction recovery,
addiction help, recovery social websites and rehab services.
We also list legal services,music, movies, sports, products , and services that will benefit mind,body, and spirit.
Please check out the Holistic Lifestyles Radio Network’s directory for all your recovery mind,body, and spirit needs.

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1st Step Sober House

Our staff is experienced and dedicated to changing the lives of 1000?s of people with addictions.Our years of experience in recovery gives a structure that no other sober house can offer. Come by our office and meet with our staff about helping you a friend or a family member get the recovery they need.
Addiction Treatment Solutions

Treatment Solutions Network is unlike any other approach to addiction recovery. Through our relationships with the nation's premier treatment facilities and addiction professionals across the country, we make the arrangements and handle the details so our clients can focus on one thing: their recovery.
Alcoholics Anonymous®

Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
All Florida Bail Bonds

We at All Florida Bail Bonds Inc. understands addiction and the help that is needed for the addicted person to get treatment and to have a true shot of doing something different with their lives. A bondsmen is often the first person to help with such action.
All Florida Bail Bonds Inc.

Bail Bonds, Private Investigations, Notary-on site and mobile, security-high and low threat, fugitive recovery
Bechert & Associates Attorney

Bechert & Associates is a dedicated full-service law firm that thrives on providing superior legal representation for individuals and businesses alike. Through our experience and skill, it is our mission to obtain results for our clients. We represent individuals and businesses in serious personal injury, immigration/ deportation, divorce and family law, criminal, employment /Unpaid Overtime matters, and business litigation disputes.
Benzodiazepines Addiction

Benzodiazepine addiction has raged here in america and around the world for almost 50 years. The amount of people who have taken benzodiazepines recreationally and in therapy, for the last half century, is staggering.Nearly 11 per cent of people surveyed in 1990 reported some benzodiazepine use the previous year. A full one-third of the people taking benzodiazepines for longer than one month will become dependent.
Blog Talk Radio

BlogTalkRadio allows anyone, anywhere the ability to host a live, Internet Talk Radio show, simply by using a telephone. Receiving attention and acclaim from leading media outlets like USA Today, CNN.com, CNET.com, TechCrunch, FoxNews, and dozens more, BlogTalkRadio is revolutionizingsocial media and radio broadcasting and redefining what it means to have a conversation in an online environment.Launched in 2006, the network hosts and preserves millions of conversations and brings together like-minded individuals into diverse online communities.
Cannatelli Builders, Inc

Cannatelli Builders services both residential and commercial clients alike. With over 100 years of combined construction experience we have proven to be an industry leader... and it’s lonely at the top.• Custom built homes• Additions to existing homes• Remodeling of kitchens• Remodeling of baths• Impact Windows
Celebrate Recovery / Planet Serenity

We are a brick & mortar book and gift store catering to the needs of the 12 step community, inclusive of all types of 12 step groups for over 20 years. We sell anniversary cards, medallions, bronze & aluminum chips, tee shirts, hats, stickers, unique gifts, posters, jewelry, books, etc. Our meeting room is the home of over 600 12 Step meetings a year. We also take our store to conventions and professional conferences all around the country. We wholesale a number of items to other stores, inter groups and rehabs.
Celebrate Recovery in the Treasure Coast of FL

Mon.: Morningside Church Port St. Lucie (772)335-5166 *Contact:Mike B.Tues.: Grace Place Church,Stuart (772)287-6388 *Contact: StephanieTues.: CR -Sebastian(772) 202-0121 *Contact: BillThurs.: Grapevine Church – Port St. Lucie (772) 878-3484 Thurs.: Immanuel Church – Vero Beach (772)562-3185 *Contact: RogerThurs.: Sunlight Church - 477 SW Cashmere Boulevard- Port St. Lucie (772)-879-6326 Contact: J.D.Fri.: First Baptist of Vero Beach(772).567.4341 Fri.: First United Methodist Church Stuart (772)287-6262 *Contact: JamesSat.:First Baptist Church of Port St. Lucie –(772) 878-1488 *Contact: Mark
Celoebrate Recovery New Tampa-Lifepoint Church

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery ministry for everyone struggling with hurts, habits, or hang-ups; together we find hope and healing in the power of Jesus Christ through Eight Recovery Principles and the 12 Biblical Steps.Are you ready for your life to be changed "Super-Naturally"? Come to CR!
comedymayhem

a 90 min+ comedy magic //ventriloquistsideshow stunts ACT - extravaganza- that uses it's irrevence /video /special effects to bring attention to the 2nd step of the 12 step program : THAT ONLY A POWER GREATER THAN OURSELVES COULD AND WOULD RESTORE US TO OUR SANITY
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Destin Travel Services

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Destination Hope

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Dr. Willard's Water

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Holistic Healing Center

The Holistic Healing Center offers services that promote total body wellness. Our services are performed in a friendly, caring and professional manner in order to bring about optimal health & healing.For body detoxification we offer Colon Hydrotherapy and the Ion Cleanse, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Hair Analysis and Heavy Metal Detox programs as well as individualized all-inclusinve Bio-Nutritional Programs that address Heavy Metal Toxicity as well as nutrient imbalances.
Holistic Lifestyles Radio Network

Holistic Lifestyles Radio Network and Rockers In Recovery Network has been live on the air in south Florida 24 hours a day 7 days per week since January 2008. The networks are dedicated to producing many interviews, informational blogs and live video and audio broadcasts in the music industry, concerts production, festivals events, sporting events, sport and celebrity interviews with many lively topics.
Holistic Treatment Center for Drugs and Alcohol

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In The Rooms

In The Rooms Addiction Social Network's purpose is to help people with Drug Addiction, Alcoholism, Prescription Drug Addiction, Pain Killer Addiction and More
Jocko’s Complete Automotive

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Joy's House

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Joy's House

Joy’s House is a beautiful 4 bedroom / 3 bathroom home dedicated to bridging the gap from early recovery to independent living.Located on 1 acre in the heart of North Miami Florida, Joy’s House is limited to only 8 women for your comfort. We strive to achieve a close, family feeling where a small, intimate group of women will be there for one another. An atmosphere of mutual support and accountability allow an opportunity for the healing process to begin. Our house is based on 12-step principles & Joy’s House is located near 5 different 12 step meeting rooms.
Kayos Productions

Kayos Productions is a full-service music company offering a wide spectrum of services imperative to success in today’s music business. Based in downtown New York City, Kayos Productions is a boutique agency spearheaded by seasoned music industry executive Carol Kaye. Kayos is a hub for services including public relations, marketing and consulting.Having implemented effective PR campaigns for such iconic artists as KISS, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Paul McCartney, Queen, AC/DC, Alice Cooper, The Eagles, The Ramones, Blondie, and many others.
Klean Radio

A radio show broadcast every Sunday night at 8 pm on KFWB 930AM, from CBS Studios, covering addiction and recovery issues with an interesting mix of celebrities and treatment experts. Klean Radio is hosted by Klean CEO, Andrew Spanswick and the only Republican Jew with a sense of humor, Judah Friedman
Kt1Photography.com

We are an up and coming Photography business that believe in the beauty of the simple and innovative. We have conections in Nashville, NC, and Florida. Love the Music industry, we have a growing artist portfolio. Go to our website an check us out. Suggestions and feedback are always welcome!! We will also travel where we are needed.
Lifestyles In Balance

There comes a time when people hit their bottom with Western Medicine/Diets and realize it's not resonating with them anymore. I help people create a better quality of living through Ayurvedic Nutrition and Holistic Lifestyles; one day at a time - one person at a time.

PARENTS TOLL FREE HELP LINE

We’re Here to Help.

Call Us Today:
1-855-DRUGFREE
(1-855-378-4373)

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed or have a specific question about your child’s drug or alcohol use? Our Parents Toll-Free Helpline is anationwide support service that offers assistance to parents and other primary caregivers of children who want to talk to someone about their child’s drug use and drinking. Our trained and caring parent specialists will:
Listen to your concerns, challenges, setbacks and emotional turmoil that you have experienced with your child’s substance abuse or addiction
Help you outline a course of effective action – whether it’s prevention, intervention, seeking treatment or supporting recovery – grounded in science-based resources
Inform you of different resources available to you nationally

Our Helpline is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm ET. We are closed on weekends and holidays. The Helpline is not a crisis line. If you do not connect with a parent specialist, please leave a message and we will make every effort to get back to you by the next business day. If you are in need of immediate or emergency services please call 911 or a 24 hour crisis hotline.

Our parent specialists are licensed social workers and psychologists with years of experience helping individuals and their families prevent and overcome substance abuse problems.

We’re Here to Help – Call Us
Parents Toll-Free Helpline
1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373)
Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm ET

Survey: Ten Percent of American Adults Report Being in Recovery from Substance Abuse or Addiction

By Josie Feliz | March 6, 2012 | 2 Comments | Filed in News Releases

Data Show More Than 23 Million Adults Living in U.S. Once Had Drug or Alcohol Problems, But No Longer Do

New York, NY, March, 6 2012 – Survey data released today by The Partnership at Drugfree.org and The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) show that 10 percent of all American adults, ages 18 and older, consider themselves to be in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse problems. These nationally representative findings indicate that there are 23.5 million American adults who are overcoming an involvement with drugs or alcohol that they once considered to be problematic.

According to the new survey funded by OASAS, 10 percent of adults surveyed said yes to the question, “Did you once have a problem with drugs or alcohol, but no longer do?” – one simple way of describing recovery from drug and alcohol abuse or addiction.

“The OASAS study is an important contribution to the public’s understanding of recovery, as it represents the actual voices of millions of Americans whose lives have improved because they are living free of alcohol and other drug problems,” said Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org. “This newlearning provides a big reason – more than 23 million reasons – for all those who are struggling with their own, or a loved one’s substance use disorder, to have hope and know that they are not alone. These findings serve as a reminder that addiction is a treatable disease and recovery can be a reality. We are just scratching the surface here and more research is needed in this area, but we are proud to collaborate with New York OASAS in this meaningful process.”

“This research marks a vitally important step for those who are struggling with addiction by offering clear evidence to support what many know experientially – that millions of Americans have found a path to recovery,” said New York State Office of Alcoholism andSubstance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “It is my hope that this new evidence will strengthen and inspire individuals and those that provide treatment and recovery services to help the broader community understand that treatment does work and recovery is possible.”

Other self-reported findings from the new data conclude that:
More males say they are in recovery than females (12 percent vs. 7 percent).
More adults ages 35-44 report being in recovery, compared to younger adults (18-34) and adults who are 55 years of age or older.
The Midwest has a higher prevalence of adults (14 percent) who say they are in recovery compared to adults in the South (7 percent). In other regions of the country, the percentage of adults[1] who say they are in recovery is 11 percent for the West and 9 percent for the Northeast.

The study also found no significant difference between parents and adults without children who say they are in recovery. This demonstrates that parents are as likely as non-parents to be in recovery.

“This new research also supports findings from a groundbreaking survey done for Faces and Voices of Recovery by Peter Hart Associates that provided the initial evidence that there was a large population in recovery in the United States,” said Tom Hedrick, Senior Program Officer and one of the founding members of The Partnership at Drugfree.org. “Those 2004 findings concluded that ‘38 percent of adults have a family member or close friend (or both) who is in recovery from addiction to alcohol or other drugs.’”

Insights from Experts in the Field of Substance Abuse and Addiction:

“I’ve learned that there is ‘a science of addiction, but not a science of recovery.’ With the survey conducted by The Partnership at Drugfree.org and OASAS, we now have a very strong beginning to developing that science. Through past initiatives, we established some sensible definitions of what ‘being in recovery’ actually means – and this additional work provides fundamental information on how many people are in recovery. These are not only the building blocks for the ‘recovery science’ that have been called for, but they are the foundation for public understanding, acceptance and ultimately, the celebration of recovery.” – A. Thomas McLellan, PhD, Former Deputy Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy

“Every American is acutely aware of the negative impact of drug and alcohol addiction; it’s impossible to ignore. Yet we have somehow missed a very positive story about addiction that is right in front of our nose: Tens of millions of our fellow citizens come out the other side to live substance-free, healthy and productive lives. This study is a wake-up call to the reality of recovery in America, as well as a source of hope for the millions of American families who are currently struggling with drug and alcohol problems.” — Keith Humphreys, Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine

“As these findings demonstrate, recovery is everywhere. All across our country people are living healthy and productive lives in long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs, benefiting themselves, their families and communities. Recovery is our best kept secret. It’s time to invest in understanding the solution to alcohol and other drug problems, advocate for the right resources to recover and demonstrate the power and proof of long-term recovery, offering hope to the over 23 million Americans who have yet to find recovery.” — Pat Taylor, Executive Director, Faces and Voices of Recovery

“This research is vitally important – it shows that, until now, even addiction experts have been unaware of how many people across the country are in sustained recovery. We often hear about the latest celebrity’s bad behavior, but it’s rare for the public to see people overcome their addictions, achieve their goals, and go on to become great parents, employees, citizens, etc. The public won’t know these success stories unless we tell them, and that’s what this research does. It breaks new ground and provides tremendous inspiration for those who are currently struggling with drug and/or alcohol problems and their families.” – Deni Carise, PhD, Chief Clinical Officer, Phoenix House Foundation

Resources for Those in Recovery and for Families Facing Addiction

The Partnership at Drugfree.org is reaching families directly through its transformative campaign, You Are Not Alone, which calls on all those affected by addiction – individuals, families, communities and organizations – to take action and help our loved ones in need. You Are Not Alone comes to life in a collection of visual stories, each one a message dedicated to the families of the 11 million teens or young adults who are struggling with substance abuse.

This public storytelling – stories of hope and healing – puts a face to the disease of addiction and brings together the millions directly impacted with those who currently know someone who needs help.

For those families who are currently struggling with addiction or have a loved one who is in recovery, please visit The Partnership at Drugfree.org’s online resource, Recover at drugfree.org.


# # # #

Survey Methodology

The nationally representative survey from The Partnership at Drugfree.org and OASAS was conducted among 2,526 adults, ages 18 and older, living in the United States. Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) conducted the survey in 2011, with a sample consisting of 1,272 male and 1,254 female respondents and with a margin of error +/- 2 percentage points.

ORC CARAVAN® random-digit-dial omnibus survey is conducted among adults 18 years of age and older living in private households in the continental United States. It is a multi-client nationally projectable study and the sample includes both unlisted and listed landline telephone numbers and is fully replicated and stratified by region. All national telephone surveys are weighted to U.S. Census data for age, gender, geographic region, education and race in order to improve the projectability and reliability of the random telephone sample. The survey is enhanced with a sample of cell phone interviews to reflect the growing importance of adults who do not have landlines or rarely use them. This captures the best representation of the adult population, especially among younger adults 18-34.

Survey Question: “Did you used to have a problem with drugs or alcohol, but no longer do?”

About The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Ninety percent of addictions start in the teenage years. The Partnership at Drugfree.org is dedicated to helping families solve the problem of teen substance abuse. Bringing together renowned scientists, parent experts and communications professionals, this public health nonprofit translates research on teen behavior, parenting, addiction and treatment into useful and effective resources at drugfree.org. Its You Are Not Alone campaign is dedicated to supporting families of the 11 million teens and young adults who need addiction treatment, while the organization’scommunity education programs reach families at the grassroots level. The Partnership at Drugfree.org’s mission to help parents prevent, intervene in and find treatment for drug and alcohol use by their children depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the public sector. We are thankful to SAG/AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity.

About OASAS

OASAS oversees one of the nation’s largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,550 programs serving over 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day. To get help for someone in need, call the toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day a week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY. For more information, please visit www.oasas.state.ny.us. Follow OASAS:www.twitter.com/nysoasas / facebook profile: NYS OASAS /www.youtube.com/nysoasas / www.flickr.com/photos/nysoasas

Five Public Policies That Will Lead to Pain Relief Without Prescription Overdoses

By Celia Vimont | March 13, 2012 | 8 Comments | Filed in Addiction,Healthcare & Prescription Drugs


Major policy changes are needed to resolve the tension between providing adequate pain relief and tackling the epidemic of prescription opioid overdoses, according to drug policy expert Keith Humphreys, PhD. At the recent American Academy of Pain Medicine meeting, he laid out five policies that can achieve a realistic balance.

“Some of the policies are relatively easy to implement, while others involve changing cultural norms, which is much more difficult,” said Humphreys, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, and a former Senior Policy Advisor at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, from 1991 to 2009, prescriptions for opioid analgesics increased almost threefold, to more than 200 million. The Drug Abuse Warning Network system, which monitors drug-related emergency department visits and drug-related deaths, found that emergency room visits related to the nonmedical use of pharmaceutical opioids doubled between 2005 and 2009.

The five policies that Dr. Humphreys recommends are:
Implement prescription monitoring programs. “Some of the initial programs were slow and clunky, but we are now seeing systems, such as the one in New York, that are starting to make a difference,” he says.
Use the reimbursement power of insurance programs to lock “doctor shoppers” into a single prescriber. “If an insurer sees someone have five doctors writing them pain pill prescriptions, they can designate one provider as the patient’s pain doctor,” notes Humphreys.
Make prescription recycling a standard practice. “I remember when recycling bottles and cans was considered a strange thing, but now everyone does it,” he says. “Prescription take-back days won’t be fully effective until they become the cultural norm. Dropping off unused pills needs to be something everyone does when they go to the drugstore.”
Make it easier for drug companies to develop abuse-resistant drugs. “Pharmaceutical companies who are trying to do the right thing need to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to develop a pill that becomes inert when crushed, and then they have toapply for a New Drug Application. We need the Food and Drug Administration to create an accelerated review process for these new formulations.”
Change opioid-related medical practice. “We need to educate patients and providers that opioids are not the only treatment for pain,” Dr. Humphreys says. “There are other options, including different types of medications and physical therapy. We also need to educate prescribers in the emergency room and in dental offices that they shouldn’t automatically write a 30-day prescription for opioids. They have to start thinking about how much medication a patient really needs.”

With so many people dying of prescription drug overdoses, a response of doing nothing isn’t an option, he emphasizes. “I tell doctors that change is coming, and they can get involved, or else an uninformed policymaker may do it for them, with some potentially bad results.”