Suicidal Tendencies? – June 2, 2018 – In 2016, one in 65 deaths in the United States involved opioids — and among younger adults, that number skyrocketed to one in five, according to a new study. Data has shown for years that deaths involving both prescribed and illicit opioids are rising sharply. They’ve nearly doubled since 2009, and have infiltrated all genders, demographics and geographic areas, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. The new study, published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open, puts some of those numbers into new perspective … Among those between the…
Author: Leonard Buschel
It’s a Family Affair – May 29, 2018 – Losing a loved one can be difficult enough. But when that person dies from a drug overdose, the shame and isolation that accompany the loss can be devastating. Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association offers a monthly drop-in discussion group, Loss After Addiction. At this month’s gathering, only two people showed up: Janice Steenbeke of Boscawen and her sister, Becky Gauthier. Steenbeke, 70, was ready to tell her story. Her daughter, Pamela Steenbeke-DeSantis, died in January from an overdose, Steenbeke said. She was 48. “She had an addiction she just could not…
Children’s Lives DON’T Matter – May 25, 2018 – In April, a committee at the Food and Drug Administration took the unprecedented step to recommend for approval Epidiolex, an epilepsy drug containing a plant-sourced cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD). In June, the FDA will vote on approving the drug, which has been shown in limited studies to be effective for those suffering from severe epilepsy. Maria Selva’s seven-year-old daughter, Aliana, has epilepsy and has found relief from seizures with CBD … But treating her daughter’s seizures with CBD has put Selva at significant risk, and she has mixed feelings about the FDA’s…
Going Public – June 3, 2018 – The proliferation of addiction recovery centers in Southern California coastal communities has given rise to the catchy nickname “Rehab Riviera.” Largely unregulated and often incredibly expensive, these sober-living homes and rehab facilities for drug and alcohol addiction have led to numerous homeowner complaints in cities like Costa Mesa. Leucadia residents at the City Council meeting on May 23 voiced their concerns that Encinitas could be the next stop on the Rehab Riviera if the city does not do something to regulate sober-living homes. Chris Rogers shared with the council that shortly after finishing…
WOW – March 6, 2018 – As they wait, Chris’ parents are funding his habit because they’ve been told his addiction is so bad, he needs to stay on the drugs until he goes in. “I’d say I smoke about $120 worth a day,” says Chris, whose father says has “been draining us financially for years now”. In recent weeks there have been three suspected synthetics related deaths; two in Auckland, and one in Christchurch. Chris knows the risks of his drug use all too well. “Every day it’s like playing Russian roulette.” Around 30 deaths have been linked to…
Surrender to Win – June 3, 2018 – Her body lay crumpled on the sofa, legs bent, head twisted above a rising urine stench brought about by another vodka binge. Once proud, she now resigns to the grips of her vice, one so baleful that it has unhinged her dreams and erstwhile pride. This scene — marked by visceral imagery and accompanied by hints of abstract fascination — finds my wife at her lowest. Nevertheless, her soul remains. Even as she mumbles through intoxicated breath, I see beauty, and above all, love, in her pale and worn face … In…
Adding Intent to Injury – June 1, 2018 – There has been a significant rise in accidental deaths, homicides and suicides among young people across the United States, and experts are calling it a wake-up call. “We were surprised that there was such a broad increase across so many causes of death,” she said. “There wasn’t just one that was contributing.”In general, the leading causes of death among adolescents ages 15 to 19 in the United States are unintentional injuries such as car crash-related injuries, followed by suicide and homicide, according to the CDC. The new report was based on…
Pharma Slaughters 200,000 – Govt. protects the guilty – June 1, 2018 – An explosive New York Times report has revealed that manufacturers of the drug OxyContin knew it was highly addictive as early as 1996, the first year after the drug hit the market. The Times published a confidential Justice Department report this week showing that Purdue Pharma executives were told OxyContin was being crushed and snorted for its powerful narcotic, but still promoted it as less addictive than other opioid painkillers. This report is especially damning because Purdue executives have testified before Congress that they were unaware of…
PTAC is Making a Difference – June 2018 – The mission of the Police, Treatment and Community (PTAC) Collaborative is to strategically widen community behavioral health and social service options available through law enforcement diversion. Its purpose is to provide national vision, leadership, voice, and action to reframe the relationship between law enforcement, treatment, and community. The PTAC Collaborative encourages leaders from police/law enforcement, treatment, and community to come together to employ pre‐arrest diversion initiatives that best address the needs of their communities and their citizens. The logo represents this cross‐sector collaboration integral to effective pre‐arrest diversion initiatives. Full Story…
Dr. Hannibal Lecter meets Dr. John Dolittle – May 28, 2018 – For anyone who looks toward their later years with trepidation, Sir Anthony Hopkins (“Tony, please”) is a proper tonic. He is 79, and happier than he has ever been. This is due to a mixture of things: his relationship with his wife of 15 years, Stella, who has encouraged him to keep fit, and to branch out into painting and classical composition; the calming of his inner fire, of which more later; and his work. Hopkins loves to work. Much of his self-esteem and vigour comes from acting…
Do You Really Want That? – June 2, 2018 – An Apple a day might not keep the doctor away. Tim Cook, the computer giant’s top exec, said Apple this week will start offering new software for hardcore users of iPhones and tablets who want to limit their hours online, the Sunday Times of London reported. The initiative, called “Digital Health,’’ is designed to wean heavy users away from their devices. Cook said earlier this year he did not want his young nephew to be on a social network, according to the newspaper. He also suggested people should limit their…
Just What I Need, More Shaming – June 4, 2018 – Reckon you’re spending too much time on your iPhone? Apple will start letting you know very soon. The tech giant is expected to introduce a new Digital Health feature to the iPhone that will shame you into spending less time on your gadgets. Next week, Apple will host its annual WWDC event where it will talk about the new features coming to iPhone this year. That means we’ll hear about the next big iPhone software update, iOS 12. According to Bloomberg, iOS 12 will focus on digital well-being and…
A Very Confused Nation – May 29, 2018 – When Julie Eldred tested positive for fentanyl in 2016, 11 days into her probation for a larceny charge, she was sent to jail. Such outcomes are typical in the American criminal justice system, even though, as Ms. Eldred’s lawyer has argued, ordering a drug addict to abstain from drug use is tantamount to mandating a medical outcome — because addiction is a brain disease, and relapsing is a symptom of it. Ms. Eldred’s case, now before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, has the potential to usher in a welcome change to…
Make More Friends with Faces – June 4, 2018 – Apple will now let its customers FaceTime with 31 of their closest friends. The iPhone maker announced Monday at its annual developers conference that it would be expanding its video chat platform from one-on-one calls to allow for as many as 32 participants. Apple shares soared to a 52-week high on the news and preceded to sell off. FaceTime callers will see participants show up as tiles on the screen, with the largest tile belonging whoever is speaking at a given moment. Full Story @ NYPost.com
Shining a Light – May 29, 2018 – Actor Joe Pantoliano, aka “Joey Pants” to friends and colleagues, vividly remembers the first time he experienced stigma around mental illness. After being diagnosed with clinical depression, Pantoliano — best known for playing the character Ralph Cifaretto on “The Sopranos” — went to work on a pilot for another show in 2006. During the obligatory health checkup to get insured for the show, the doctor asked him what medications he was taking. This was a question Pantoliano had answered over and over again during his 30-year career in the entertainment industry. Pantoliano…
LEGALIZE IT – June 1, 2018 – The young woman had pale skin and fire-red hair, and by all appearances was only minutes away from dying from opioid overdose. The grim scene unfolded in February, in the Kensington section of North Philadelphia. It’s where the death rate from heroin mixed with illicit fentanyl ranks among the highest in the nation, and the sight of young bodies lying prone and unresponsive on the sidewalk has become the new normal for a cluster of impoverished neighborhoods that have already suffered decades of collateral damage from the war on drugs … But in…
Pills Don’t Kill People, Guns… – MAY 23, 2018 – In an attempt to support North’s claim, NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam sent PolitiFact a series of studies related to over-prescribing of ADHD medication. However, only one study correlated violence and ADHD medication, and other experts have found fault in the methodology. Jamison Monroe Jr., founder and CEO of Newport Academy, has also found no association between ADHD and or/Ritalin and violent behavior. The adolescent mental health facility has treated teens struggling with a variety of mental illnesses, including ADHD. “What we do know is that violence can be a symptom…
It’s about time,” said Michael Cartwright, CEO of AAC – May 30, 2018 – Those companies are American Addiction Centers, one of the nation’s largest treatment chains; Addiction No More in Texas; Addiction Recovery Now in Florida; Elite Rehab Placement in Michigan; and more “I’m excited about this letter. It’s about time,” said Michael Cartwright, CEO of American Addiction Centers. “Anything that looks into bad practices around the treatment industry is something we’re supportive of.” Cartwright continued: “I view this as a great opportunity to start a conversation with legislators. How about the feds getting in on the action in…
Coke on the Cape – May 28, 2018 – Cape Cod, Massachusetts is a difficult place to stay sober. In this “summer” community, the population hovers around 750,000 from late May to early September, and can spike to 1 million on the 4th of July. Post-Labor Day, however, only 250,000 residents call Cape Cod home, and it becomes one of the country’s most addicted stretches of coastline. Amid a national opioid epidemic, Massachusetts is designated as one of the top 10 states in the US with the highest rate of opiate addiction. Melissa Peace, though, has weathered the pressures that…
And the Beat Goes On – May 29, 2018 – A potential crackdown is looming on the world of “patient brokering,” where head-hunters find people fighting addiction, and essentially sell them to the highest bidder. Officials say patient brokers are ruthless, targeting vulnerable people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. The head-hunters can make as much as $10,000 for each person they book for treatment. California lawmakers say the abuse’s reach is far and wide, and they’re trying to stop it … Jeanette believes her daughter fell in with “patient brokers” – people who bonded with and recruited her,…
Lives! Up in Smoke – May 27, 2018 – Recreational marijuana is still against the law in 41 states. But a number of celebrities with their own brands to sell are seeing green all the same. Our Cover Story is reported by Ben Tracy: Hollywood has long been addicted to a good marijuana joke. And now that pot is legal for recreational use in nine states (with more on the horizon), some celebrities are laughing all the way to the bank … It’s a natural fit given he gladly let his career go “up in smoke.” He and his partner…
Freedom of Choice – May 29, 2018 – When the Maui/Molokai Drug Court was in its infancy, the program participants organized a holiday party for their families. As I walked in and saw over 200 children, I was overwhelmed. It became crystal clear that the help our community provides participants through Drug Court has a direct impact on the lives of their children — Hawaii’s next generation … Addiction adversely affects the life and health of drug users, and brings physical and emotional suffering to families, especially children. Family, friends and neighbors become victims of addiction-related burglaries, thefts, criminal property…
Soberano – May 25, 2018 – Anyone who watched Mob Wives or any other reality TV show that Renee Graziano has appeared on knows that she is an open book. Recently Renee opened up about her sobriety after overcoming substance abuse issues and multiple rehab stints. Renee very candid in an interview with RadarOnline. The former Mob Wives star shared, “When I’ve gone to rehab, it’s been because I would get high to not feel, to suppress my feelings and get out of my own head.” Renee explained, “It has never been about partying, it’s been more about trying not…
Stick with the Winners! – Dr. George Baxter-Holder grew up on Long Island and got his training in Seattle. He holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Duke University and a Masters in Nursing from the University of Washington. He started his own medical practice which focuses on wellness and beauty. Having lived a very colorful life, Dr. George is an Eagle Scout and has been an actor on Star Trek: The Next Generation and has battled drug addiction, criminal convictions, obesity, the IRS, and a Mexican drug cartel. He has been in recovery from drug addiction for many years after…
More Screwy Industry Publicity? – May 25, 2018 – People in need of drug rehab have a few options. For those with money or insurance, there are residential programs that cost thousands of dollars. Otherwise, there are programs that promise treatment for people willing to work full-time and give up their pay. Sometimes the state sends people there instead of jail. Investigative reporter Shoshana Walter has spent months looking into these programs for Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting. She has uncovered what she describes as a new class of indentured workers – people who do hard labor for…
Drugs for Sex – May 21, 2018 – Attorney David Perry’s addiction has been marked in various courtrooms for more than a decade. Although he became a symbol of addiction recovery success, charges for which he’ll appear in court Monday shatter that. Among other things, the 34-count indictment from the state attorney general accuses Perry — the owner of the sober house Recovery Education Services (RES) in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood — of offering drugs and legal representation to residents of his house in exchange for sex. Several people in Boston’s recovery community say they aren’t surprised by the charges. They…
MEDIA: NYT Book Review – May 22, 2018 – In 1946, Life magazine published an exposé that declared most American mental hospitals “a shame and a disgrace.” The report, by Albert Q. Maisel, featured scathing anecdotes of routine abuse, starvation diets, overcrowded bathrooms and cynical charades of treatment that mocked the very word. “Through public neglect and legislative penny-pinching, state after state has allowed its institutions for the care and cure of the mentally sick to degenerate into little more than concentration camps,” Maisel wrote. Some 70 years later, the journalist Alisa Roth has written a chilling book that argues…
Seattle’s Best – May 25, 2018 – The finding suggests “a lot of people” are taking oxycodone in the Puget Sound, researchers say. Scientists used mussels as a way to test pollution in Seattle’s waters and discovered high enough oxycodone levels for the shellfish to test positive. Mussels do not metabolise opioids, but some fish can become addicted. Mussels are filter-feeders, which means they filter water for nutrients to nourish themselves. In the process, they end up storing pollutants in their tissues, which makes them a prime indicator species. State researchers distributed clean mussels around the Puget Sound and extracted…
Sober Star-Crossed Collaboration – May 24, 2018 – Brad Pitt is getting his life back together and his new girlfriend couldn’t be happier about it. The actor got sober following his nasty divorce with Angelia Jolie and his new romance, Neri Oxman, is fully supporting his road to recovery. Pitt turned his life around in the wake of his split from Jolie in 2016. The World War Z star celebrated his sobriety last year and opened up about his drinking problems in an interview with GQ. Pitt confessed that he boozed it up way too much when he was with…
Rainbow Connection – May 25, 2018 – The finding suggests “a lot of people” are taking oxycodone in the Puget Sound, researchers say. Scientists used mussels as a way to test pollution in Seattle’s waters and discovered high enough oxycodone levels for the shellfish to test positive. Mussels do not metabolise opioids, but some fish can become addicted. Mussels are filter-feeders, which means they filter water for nutrients to nourish themselves. In the process, they end up storing pollutants in their tissues, which makes them a prime indicator species. State researchers distributed clean mussels around the Puget Sound and extracted…