LISTEN HERE: https://lnkd.in/edHyXFpc From 2001-2011, as the #prescriptionopioid crisis spiraled out of control, Kim Harmon, then with Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, went undercover as a person seeking opioids to bust pill mills, among other investigations into medical fraud. Shortly after she progressed up into a new role, however, her daughter Taylor’s own actual struggles with #substanceusedisorder began to spiral out of control, and suddenly this #lawenforcement officer, once tasked with imitating people with addiction in order to stop the flow of illicit pills, now had to figure out how she could help her own daughter find recovery. And yet despite all her experience and resources, it was not an easy road. Taylor’s struggles might sound familiar to many Tennesseans. Despite growing up in a peaceful childhood, a personal tragedy caused a tendency to over-drink into a full blown disorder, closely followed by a problem with benzos, opioids and other so-called hard drugs. Fortunately, however, her story of sobriety should be equally recognizable: she found a strong community of peers in #recovery and they helped Taylor find her own path. This is a fascinating, far-reaching conversation that touches on many topics. If I had to boil it down, though, I might say the big takeaway is that anybody and everybody is susceptible to addiction, and the most important thing we can do from a policy perspective is to make sure people with substance use disorder have real access to resources that make a difference.
SMART Initiative - Substance Misuse and Addiction Resource for Tennessee’s Post
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Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. Substance abuse has becoming an increasingly large issue in the state of Tennessee. COVID 19 contributed to the increase in substance abuse in Tennessee as a way to cope due to the financial pressure, isolation and health concerns. "Approximately 70,000 Tennesseans are addicted to opioids. Our state is seeing epidemic levels of addiction, overdoses, and death" (TN.gov). The presence of a dangerous drug called Fentanyl, specifically, is rising in Tennessee. Spreading awareness about substance abuse related issues is the first step in fighting against the stigma and lowering these statistics. #overdoseawarenessday #overdoseawareness #NashvilleRescueMission
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If there's one thing we need to fight the #OpioidCrisis, it's more #bureaucracy. More flaming hoops, and more impossible regulations, for people trying to get their lives back on track. Apparently, the only thing standing between us and a country free of #opioidabuse is making addiction treatment more of a nightmare than the addiction itself. But fear not ye layman, for the Drug Enforcement Administration has come up with yet another brilliant way to 'help' those struggling with #addiction. Inspired by the amazing success of putting #pseudoephedrine behind the counter to fight #meth production, they've now decided to make #methadone and #buprenorphine even harder to access. If you think keeping life-saving treatment harder to access than a winning lottery ticket is the key to combating the #overdose crisis, then congrats, you've got a future at the DEA! For everyone else, it's time to question why we're using the #WarOnDrugs to attack those trying to get better. You can read more from this article on the absurdity of the DEA's newest strategy for 'saving' lives. https://lnkd.in/gQCpgbCg Full of hoops, flaming obstacles, and some good old-fashioned #satire. #SubstanceUseDisorder #AddictionRecovery #HarmReduction #HealthcarePolicy #MentalHealthAwareness #OpioidEpidemic #RecoveryIsPossible #AddictionAwareness #DrugPolicy #LetsGetReal #makehistory #health #publichealth #policyreform #addiction #narcotics Special thanks for visibility and insight to: Johns Hopkins Medicine Johnny Knoxville Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Recovery Centers of America Faces & Voices of Recovery HarmReduction.eu U.S. Department of Justice Oregon Department of Justice International Association of Chiefs of Police FDA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation https://lnkd.in/gQCpgbCg
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Did you know 3 out of 4 people recover from addiction? 🌱 Recovery is not only possible but common—though it looks different for everyone. Recovery is often a long, winding road, but it’s one filled with hope, resilience, and progress. Whether through peer support, clinical treatment, or personal coping strategies, each step forward matters. Let’s continue to support and uplift one another on this journey. 💪💙 (Source: Lai, H. M. X., et al., 2020; CDC; U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health) #NationalRecoveryMonth #Recovery #Addiction #Sobriety
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Director l Global Epidemiology l Outcomes Research l Medical Affairs
Did you know that the joyful celebration of your goals increases the likelihood of attaining the goal? The same applies to the goal of being free from addiction or illicit use of drug substances. The post below contains more insight and solutions. #addiction #depression #recoveryispossible cc: Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D, Mandy Cohen, Robert Califf, Dr Sanjay Gupta
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Today is #InternationalOverdosePreventionDay and the theme is “Together we can” 🤞🏻 Today is a time to reflect on the impact of overdose, those who are grieving, and raise awareness about the effects of substance use on individuals, families and communities. Together we come together to remember, without stigma, our loved ones lost to overdose. Please click the link below for more information and self help tools on how to manage substance use: https://lnkd.in/eKHYCzgy If you are worried about your alcohol or drug use, we have services that can help support you - please don't hesitiate to get in touch: 📞Belfast Area: 028 9066 4434 📞Western Trust: 028 8283 9240 📧 addictionenquiry@inspirewellbeing.org Or to find the addiction services in your area, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eDr9qcRS #TogetherWeCan #IOPD2024 #EndOverdose
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Substance abuse, including the misuse of Kush, can lead to various negative consequences, including physical and mental health problems, impaired cognitive function, addiction, and even fatalities in extreme cases. It's essential to recognize the gravity of this issue and take proactive measures to address it effectively. Education plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the potential dangers of Kush and other drugs. Prevention efforts should focus on promoting positive alternatives and providing support systems for youth, such as recreational activities, mentorship programs, and access to mental health services. By addressing underlying factors such as social isolation, economic disparities, and peer pressure, we can help mitigate the risk of substance abuse among young people. Additionally, access to treatment and rehabilitation services is essential for individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders. Law enforcement also plays a critical role in addressing the illegal production, distribution, and sale of Kush and other drugs. Ultimately, combating the misuse of Kush and other drugs requires a comprehensive approach that involves collaboration between government agencies, community organizations, healthcare providers, educators, and families. Let's work together to create a safer and healthier environment for our youth and future generations. #substanceabuseprevention #youthhealth #drugmisuse #collaboration
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For individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, celebrating during the holidays can be challenging. We have put together a list of activities to help you successfully manage your sobriety during this time and begin the New Year even stronger in your recovery journey. See the list at https://lnkd.in/gr787hZU #holidaysinrecovery #celebratesobriety #celebratesafely
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In this article, our founder, Chris McGuinn, shares his experience of battling depression and hopelessness in active addiction and emphasizes the importance of hope in early recovery. While supporting harm reduction strategies, these policies are not sufficient as they focus solely on preventing deaths rather than enabling a fulfilling life. He highlights the presence of an epidemic of despair in the United States, with drug addiction becoming the leading cause of death among young people. Click the link in our bio to read the full article recently published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. #postgazette #recoverycommunity #addictionrecovery #compassion #addictionawareness #morethan28
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In 2018, Connecticut Legislation reduced victimless crimes related to substance dependence to class B misdemeanor with an emphasis on treatment. I believe this should be the case for all victimless crimes related to compulsive/addictive behaviors whether it involves a chemical or not. Addiction is biologically driven and is a brain disease. It does respond to treatment. Treatment should always be the focus with addiction for a first offense.
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According to a recent KFF survey, a majority of adult respondents say they have felt the impact of the substance use crisis facing the country. Two-thirds report that either they or their family members have been addicted to alcohol or drugs, experienced homelessness due to addiction, or experienced a drug overdose leading to an emergency room visit, hospitalization or death. Crossroads is working to minimize the impact by treating addiction as a disease - not a moral failing. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact our 24/7 Patient Access Center, with virtual visits and bridge prescriptions, at 866-985-3406. #addiction #addictiontreatment #recovery #recoveryispossible
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