AVENUES RECOVERY CENTER’s Post

Jim Verhoye, Ph.D. !!! I literally tapped the comment button on the original post to add a similar remark. Decided to make this a post instead. 👇 Using person-first language is importnat in our work to humanize those who are directly impacted, in this case, by addiction. There's a way to uplift the great work happening while making clear where our values lie in respecting the dignity of individuals. When articles use derogatory terms like 'drug addicts,' it can raise questions about the stance of organizations involved, like the Oregon Health Justice Recovery Alliance or The Just Trust. I beleive that such language reflects the author's choice rather than the values of these organizations. It's imperative to put disclaimers when sharing content that may not align with our values. The Vera Institute of Justice sets a great example with their higher education in prison newsletter, where they preface potentially triggering headlines or stories by reaffirming their commitment to person-first language and even linking to our pledge. If you know me, you know this ain't about calling people out but about learning and growing together. Foundations and journalists have a responsibility to listen and learn from the people on the ground to create a more respectful and informed discourse.

This is so frustrating. Money was given in order to enhance existing programs and identify new avenues to help. Instead the money was used to replace existing funding, therefore just allowing money to be shifted around. Where is the accountability? Are there more beds for in-house treatment? Are there more counselors? Are there more social workers? So tired of people claiming that harm reduction does not work when they refuse to evaluate it properly. Fund it like it matters. FUND IT LIKE LIVES DEPEND ON IT. Fund it properly because lives do depend on it.

I have a unique view into how these funds are being allocated in Massachusetts and the outlook is grim. I’ve sat in the planning meetings for several counties and municipalities, and spoken to others that were in the same meetings in other locations. The challenge seems to be lack of perspective. The number sounds large, but when spread around, over many years, it’s actually quite small. I urge everyone to use this money to identify impactful initiatives and ways to fund them in the long term from other funding sources. Don’t spend it on one and done initiatives. Ask the people on the ground what they need, not policy makers or statisticians. Specifically we need ideas around housing, sustained health and wellness, long term aftercare, job training, and ongoing mental health access.

🚨 The opioid crisis continues to be a pressing issue in our communities. In 2017, a staggering 68% of the 70,237 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. involved an opioid. The increase in deaths involving all opioids and synthetic opioids during 2016–2017 highlights the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and support for those affected by addiction. Let’s come together to address this crisis and promote resources for recovery and education. 💙 If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reach out today! #PRC #PRC11 #OpioidCrisis #Awareness #SupportRecovery

More great coverage from Aneri Pattani: if opioid settlement funds are just used to defray existing costs rather than to open or expand services, then we are missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to actually put a dent in the overdose death rate.

August 31st is #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay, the world’s largest annual campaign to end #overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. Overdose is one of the world’s worst public health crises, and this campaign stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy. #IOAD spreads the message about the tragedy of drug overdose death, and that drug overdose is preventable. Did you know... 📝 Sexual abuse survivors are 13 times more likely to experience alcohol misuse and 26 times more likely to develop other substance use disorders. 📝 3 out of every 4 women starting addiction treatment report having experienced some sort of sexual abuse. 📲 Our 24/7 Crisis and Support Line is always here for you as a safer and inclusive space - 905-668-9200. For more information about International Overdose Awareness Day, and for more information and resources about overdose and prevention visit https://lnkd.in/gc_T6Cq. 💜 #DRCC #OverdosePrevention

Monroe County will receive $1.6 million in federal funding to create an Opioid Fatality Review Team aimed at supporting individuals with substance use disorders. The county's share is part of nearly $11.5 million allocated by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the funding on Monday. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eZCSibFS

Key takeaways: Recovery is possible. Buprenorphine is safe, effective, and the standard of care for treating this lethal condition. It should be prescribed just like hydrocodone -- much safer than hydrocodone and oxycodone. Peer navigators and others need to be funded.

📢 Addiction affects many families in Florida, whether through drugs, alcohol, or gambling. But with the right Estate Planning tools, you can protect your loved ones and assets:⁣ ⁣ 🔹Discretionary & Spendthrift Trusts prevent reckless use of funds.⁣ ⁣ 🔹Trusts for Addiction Treatment ensure access to recovery resources.⁣ ⁣ 🔹Protect your assets while ensuring long-term care through Medicare/Medicaid planning.⁣ ⁣ These tools allow for the controlled distribution of assets, funding for addiction treatment, and asset protection from Medicaid recovery.⁣ ⁣ At Mortellaro Law, we provide compassionate guidance to help you secure your family’s future.⁣ ⁣ 📲 Visit our website to schedule your complimentary consultation now.⁣ ⁣⁣ ---⁣⁣ ♻️ Share if you find this helpful.⁣⁣⁣ 📢 Tag someone who needs this.⁣⁣⁣ 🔔 Follow MortellaroLaw for more.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #EstatePlanning #AssetProtection #AddictionSupport #TampaLaw #FloridaEstatePlanningAttorney #FloridaAssetProtectionAttorney

Watch Dr. Stephen Loyd offer views on addiction and what's needed, all he states is true, changing the embedded addiction stigma in both the public and political view is the uphill battle! #AddictionExplained We also need to address: 1. Addiction focused failed treatment protocols due to everyone looking for a "cure" from somebody else. 2. The historical treatment culture in America is a niche money grab used by the majority of select service providers as a revgen model with zero capability in offering a viable clinical based long term treatment model to decelerate addiction traits in youth, adults, veterans, aging adults 60+, incarecerated individuals, homeless, the mentally challenged and all others in need of services! 3. Mental health offering to at-risk school kids! Stop it before it starts, offer confidential telehealth counseling or "just someone to talk to"- extreme rise in catastrophic violence and bullying in schools is a clinical validation of a need to mitigate risks. 4. Addiction is a disease classified as a disability and the correlation to a lack of mental health guidance is borderline negligence by mainstream US healthcare. 5. Create a co-op on best use of opioid litigation settlement funds; states and communities are using funding to create treatment plans from scratch as if theyre treating a regional emerging disease. This is a national US issue, addiction in Maine is the same as Florida and New Mexico, why not combine efforts to address the issue globally and save money, time and most imporantly lives! AddictionAbatement.org https://lnkd.in/eE3Y2Hev