Recovery Connections Network

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

June 22, 2018

What’s in the House’s Bills to Address the Opioid Crisis — and What’s Not

STAT (06/21) – The House spent much of the last two weeks passing dozens of bills aimed at addressing the opioid crisis, an effort top lawmakers from both parties have long identified as a priority. Many are consensus proposals, though a few have generated controversy. Some are substantial in their scope, though many fund pilot programs or studies, or enact grants for which funding will expire within years. Read more

Further reading:

WHO Classifies 'Gaming Disorder' as Mental Health Condition

CNN (06/18) - Watching as a video game ensnares their child, many a parent has grumbled about "digital heroin," likening the flashing images to one of the world's most addictive substances. Now, they may have backup: The World Health Organization announced "gaming disorder" as a new mental health condition included in the 11th edition of its International Classification of Diseases, released Monday. Read more

FDA Approves First Generic Versions of Suboxone Sublingual Film, Which May Increase Access to Treatment for Opioid Dependence

FDA (06/14) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first generic versions of Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film (applied under the tongue) for the treatment of opioid dependence. “The FDA is taking new steps to advance the development of improved treatments for opioid use disorder, and to make sure these medicines are accessible to the patients who need them. That includes promoting the development of better drugs, and also facilitating market entry of generic versions of approved drugs to help ensure broader access,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. Read more

First Ketamine Guidelines for Pain Released

WEBMD (06/15) - New research shows that ketamine can be effective for treating pain, and could be an alternative to opioids. Ketamine has captured headlines recently as a possible treatment for severe depression and posttraumatic stress syndrome. Ketamine is also being used more in inpatient and outpatient settings to manage pain. Read more

Further reading:

Major Study of Drinking Will Be Shut Down

THE NEW YORK TIMES (06/15) - An investigation at the National Institutes of Health concluded that the $100 million trial had been tainted by funding appeals to the alcohol industry. The extensive government trial was intended to settle an age-old question about alcohol and diet: Does a daily cocktail or beer really protect against heart attacks and stroke? Read more

Why use SASSI screening questionnaires:

- Identifies SUD – even when someone is reluctant to self-disclose.
- Accurately identifies individuals likely to be abusing prescription medications.
- Screens for multiple levels of severity.
- Distinguishes likely SUD from other psychological disorders.
- Useful in developing treatment plans and goals.
- Available for adults, adolescents, and special populations.
TRAINING AVAILABLE - NAADAC CEUs

Wearable Device to Treat Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms Approved By FDA

THE FIX (06/15) – The device can curb anxiety, irritability, depression and opiate cravings without narcotics, according to its manufacturer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared a wearable device (simply named “Drug Relief”) that reduces common opioid withdrawal symptoms, according to Markets Insider. Read more

Daily Cannabis Use Is on the Rise in American Adults

EUREKALERT! (06/20) - Cannabis use may be decreasing among teens, but a new study by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health showed that American adults have increasingly used cannabis daily since 2007. The findings are published online in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. Read more

Stigma Hinders Response To Opioid Epidemic, Study Says

THE FIX (06/11) - Stigma around addiction is beating back public support for well-studied harm reduction interventions like needle exchanges and safe injection facilities (SIFs), according to a new study published in Preventive Medicine. Read more

This Is Why Xanax Is Blowing Up in America

VICE (06/12) - It’s not exactly breaking news that Xanax has been having something of a moment. Famous musicians, at least until prominent voices like Lil Xan (yes, even him!) and Chance the Rapper began swearing off the stuff, have long been inclined to hype it. And Xanny bars have been touted across social media and even in old-school graffiti for some time now. The number of adults prescribed drugs in the class that includes Xanax (alprazolam)—known as benzodiazepines—rose by 67 percent between 1996 and 2013. Over the same period, the amount of these drugs that was actually dispensed more than tripled, according to a 2016 study. Read more

Canada Just Legalized Marijuana. That Has Big Implications for US Drug Policy.

VOC (06/21) - Canada has become the first wealthy nation in the world to fully legalize marijuana. The Senate approved Bill C-45, also known as the Cannabis Act, on Tuesday. The measure was already approved by the House of Commons, so the Senate’s approval means it’s now set to become law. Read more

NAADAC's June Product Discount

NAADAC's New Horizons: Integrating Motivational Styles, Strategies and Skills with Pharmacotherapy is designed to educate participants on various motivational approaches to help alcohol-dependent clients make positive behavior change in their lives. Earn 15 CEs!

Helping Heroin Users Have Healthier Babies

MEDICAL XPRESS (06/19) - A safer treatment for pregnant heroin-dependent women has been investigated by researchers from the University of Western Australia. The medication naltrexone was found to reduce the risks associated with heroin use during pregnancy. Naltrexone fights the effects of opioid drugs such as heroin, preventing the 'high' or euphoria they bring on. Read more

On the Frontlines of the Opioid Crisis: A Doctor's Experience

PEW (06/08) – In an episode of Pew's "After the Fact" podcast entitled "Treating the Opioid Epidemic," Dr. Shawn Ryan, chief medical officer at BrightView, an outpatient addiction medicine practice based in Cincinnati, spoke about his work and issues surrounding treatment of opioid use disorder. This Q&A is drawn from his full interview. Read more

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The Addiction & Recovery eNews is a news service for the addiction profession which aims to give wide coverage to news and to the variety of views and opinions on all aspects of the subjects that are of interest to the profession. NAADAC does not necessarily endorse the opinions or views put forth in these articles, and neither guarantees the accuracy of the information provided by external sources/links nor accepts responsibility or liability for any consequences arising from the use of such data.

Table of Contents

-	What’s in the House’s Bills to Address the Opioid Crisis — and What’s Not

-	WHO Classifies 'Gaming Disorder' as Mental Health Condition

-	FDA Approves First Generic Versions of Suboxone Sublingual Film

-	First Ketamine Guidelines for Pain Released

-	Major Study of Drinking Will Be Shut Down

-	Wearable Device to Treat Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms Approved By FDA

-	Daily Cannabis Use Is on the Rise in American Adults

-	Stigma Hinders Response To Opioid Epidemic, Study Says

-	This Is Why Xanax Is Blowing Up in America

-	Canada Just Legalized Marijuana. That Has Big Implications for US Drug Policy.

-	Helping Heroin Users Have Healthier Babies

-	On the Frontlines of the Opioid Crisis: A Doctor's Experience

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“I say if I’m beautiful. I say if I’m strong. You will not determine my story; I will.” ~~Amy Schumer

“I am in charge. I take my own power back.” ~~Louise Hay

“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” ~~Melinda Gates

Statement #13

I am responsible for myself and for my actions.

I am in charge of my mind, my thoughts, and my life.

Sobriety and Statement #13 in action set the path for the continuation of New Life. Jean created the WFS New Life Program to be woven as a fabric into the lives of the women who practice it. With this practice, a shift in thinking can occur. In our Program booklet on page 34, “Often our thoughts are formed by past experiences, actions, and attitudes inherited from family and society. By understanding our thoughts, we can accept responsibility for our actions. We recognize we have options and choices.”

There is a distinct freedom that comes from recognizing options and choices. Early on in my own journey, this was difficult to see since the focus was simply on staying sober. Yet with the practice of the WFS Statements, especially Statement #13, a revolution of thoughts occurred and the illusion of powerlessness shifted into choice and options. Feelings of inability were released and with each decision, the long-held fears about responsibility vanished.

It seemed as if a whole new world opened up. Feelings of empowerment began to flow in, slowly at first then as if by magic, this new sense of self actually felt the words: Capable, Competent, Caring and Compassionate. This concept felt sturdy, and thoughts of responsibility were no longer fearful. Embracing confidence, self-esteem and self-worth create the cornerstones of an empowering New Life.

Hugzzz

Karen

Hi 4C Women,

Whenever I am faced with a decision and I feel inadequate, indecisive or fearful, I say this statement out loud and it truly makes a difference. This statement stops the negative thoughts right in their tracks. I am an empowered woman and to me that means that while I may struggle with a decision or choice, I know it is mine to make and even if I choose incorrectly, so what! I will survive, I will seek support from my 4C sisters and I will learn.

I saw this article online by Brad McDonald of Sandler Training on taking charge of life, one decision at a time. These are his ideas:

Increase in self-esteem. Whether you are right or wrong, you’ll feel better just by taking ownership in a decision.
Development of decision tree mentality. You learn that decision-making is a process, not a single event. You make a decision, evaluate, and then make the next decision.
Breaking of paralysis and inhibitions. Procrastination results in no changes, status quo, and paralysis. Making decisions leads to action and moves you forward.
You own yourself. When you make a decision, you own more of yourself; you are taking charge of your life. Also, you will learn that there are few bad decisions.

Let’s analyze decision making and discuss the process of making the best and most effective decisions. Here are some things to consider:

Understand the BIG PICTURE. Be very clear about what it is you want to accomplish in the long run, but don’t go at it with tunnel vision.
Set goals and recognize the need to risk. If you have written goals, you are part of your own plan. Otherwise, you are part of somebody else’s plan – your choice.
Develop a Plan; Evaluate the Risks; Let it sink in. If you set goals and take some risk, you will experience some fear. Own the fears but don’t cave in to them. Rather, ask yourself if the risk is acceptable using the worst case scenario; if not, this is the time to turn back. Otherwise, move ahead and commit totally.
Act Decisively. If you have worked the process out correctly – ACT. GO; MOVE: GET THE JOB DONE. This is the true key to motivation: Get moving, get the momentum and you gain power. Too many people sit around waiting to be motivated – as if some chemical reaction will take place and get them magically started. The only thing that can motivate you is you.
Have the courage to fail. You will probably fail in some part of your plan. Don’t blame others. If you really own your decisions; you’ll own the successes and failures that they bring.

In looking over his thoughts on decision-making, one thing really stood out for me and that was "motivation." I have been inspired by many 4C women, yet motivation has been the hurdle I have and continue to struggle with at times. In reflecting on Statement #13, it is so clear to me that motivation is my responsibility. Motivation is my follow-through for the gift of inspiration that I've been handed. The question is how do I create the habit of self -motivation? If I am to act, go, move, get the job done, what is blocking me from doing so? How would you answer these questions?

Bonded in being in charge of our lives,

4C WFS Member