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Categories Blog Tags National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Recovery Month, Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Recovery: Breaking the Stigma of Addiction

Recovery: Breaking the Stigma of Addiction

By Bizzell Editorial Staff

Deadbeat. Druggie. Drunkard. Hopeless. These words are still part of the stigma associated with the disease of addiction. And, unfortunately, feeling stigmatized can make people with substance use disorders (SUDs) less willing to seek treatment [1]Hadland, S. E., Park, T. W., & Bagley, S. M. (2018, May 7) Stigma associated with medication treatment for young adults with opioid use disorder: a case series. Addict Sci Clin Practice, 13(1),15. doi: 10.1186/s13722-018-0116-2. PMID: 29730987; PMCID: PMC5937046.. September is Recovery Month, a time dedicated to inspiring hope and raising awareness that recovery from SUDs is possible. This month carries significant meaning for many individuals, families, and communities as a time to honor those recovering from the disease. Those in recovery serve as beacons of hope, shining light on the many challenges faced by millions and highlighting the successes achieved through resilience, determination, and support. Breaking down the stigma associated with SUDs is a vital purpose of celebrating Recovery Month.

Stigma is the prejudicial attitudes and discrimination that people battling SUDs often face. Examples of stigmatic behavior can include inaccurate or unfounded beliefs that people with SUDs are dangerous, incapable of managing treatment, have moral or value failures, or are otherwise at fault for their condition. The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is removing these barriers by providing guidance and resources to help families navigate existing stigmas and help them avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes. By openly discussing recovery pathways and sharing stories of healing, we can foster an environment where people feel safe to ask for help and access needed support.

According to the National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA), stigma affects people with from SUDs by:

  • Reducing the willingness of individuals to seek treatment. 
  • Leading others to feel pity, fear, anger, and a desire for social distance from the person due to stereotypes. 
  • Influencing language, e.g., “alcoholic,” that negatively impacts the perceptions of healthcare providers.  

Shatterproof is a leading national organization dedicated to combating the stigmatizing effects of addiction. They share best practices and resources to positively impact individuals and families grappling with addiction. Examples include:

  1. Change your Language
  2. Take a Pledge
  3. Crisis Resources
  4. Resources for Family & Friends
  5. Resources for Peers
  6. Treatment Resources
  7. Resources for Loss

Recovery Month also sheds light on the significance of accessible and effective treatment options for SUDs. Advocates use this month to raise awareness about the importance of evidence-based quality care, early intervention, harm reduction and the elimination of barriers to treatment. Addiction is a condition that can have a devastating impact on young adults, but it is often not treated effectively.

According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 94 percent of people aged 12 or older with a substance use disorder did not receive any treatment. Nearly all those with a substance use disorder who were not treated at a specialty facility did not believe that they needed treatment. Organizations such as Young People In Recovery (YPR) are mobilizing efforts to address the imbalance in care. YPR embraces all pathways to recovery including 12-step, harm reduction, medication-assisted treatment, and others to help young adults struggling with addiction.

Bizzell is committed to supporting those in their recovery journey. Earlier this year, we published “Peer Recovery Support Services: A Promising Approach to Combat Substance Use Disorders.” This spotlight describes how peer recovery support services are used to extend the capacity of healthcare workers and to offer ongoing SUD treatment. Bizzell continues to partner with federal agencies to address these issues through a variety of avenues. Through our work with NIDA’s Clinical Trials Network, we produced online educational resources on topics related to screening, fentanyl overdose prevention, and treatment for methamphetamine use disorder.

As September unfolds, remember that healing is possible, and hope is ever-present. Recovery Month encourages us to look beyond the challenges and setbacks, focusing instead on the strength and resilience that lie within each individual and their families and communities. Here are four things you can do to help #StoptheStigma of addiction:

  1. Educate yourself and others about addiction and recovery. The more people understand about addiction, the less likely they are to stigmatize those in recovery.
  2. Use person-first language. Instead of saying “addict” or “alcoholic,” say “person with an addiction” or “person in recovery” to focus on the person, not their condition.
  3. Challenge stigma when you see it. If you hear someone making a negative comment about addiction or recovery, use the opportunity to educate them about how their comments are harmful and offer a more accurate perspective.
  4. Be supportive. Let people facing SUDs know that you are there for them and consider offering practical help, such as rides to meetings or childcare.

References:

[1] Hadland, S. E., Park, T. W., & Bagley, S. M. (2018, May 7) Stigma associated with medication treatment for young adults with opioid use disorder: a case series. Addict Sci Clin Practice, 13(1),15. doi: 10.1186/s13722-018-0116-2. PMID: 29730987; PMCID: PMC5937046.

Categories Blog Tags Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Food Safety During Floods or Power Outages

Food Safety During Floods or Power Outages

By Editorial Staff

“Food safety involves everybody in the food chain.” – Mike Johanns [1]Brainy Quote. (2023). Mike Johanns quotes. https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/mike-johanns-quotes

 

Summer is almost over but there’s still time to gather outdoors for cookouts with friends and family, enjoying delicious food and other fun activities. All too often, though, summer rains can quickly dampen the excitement. Pop-up thunderstorms and torrential rains can quickly lead to a flooding catastrophe, especially for those living in low-lying areas or other places with a greater risk of flooding [2]Federal Emergency Management Agency. (n.d.). Flood. https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/article/Flood. In case of floods or power outages, make sure you and your household understand and practice food safety guidelines and procedures.

Preparation is key to keeping foods safe in the event of an emergency or power outage. Some of the steps you can take before one happens include:

However, sudden storms or power outages are not uncommon. In the event of a power outage, make sure to do the following:

  • Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed to keep the cold air inside. Most food items can last up to four hours if you avoid opening the door.

After a power outage, make sure to do the following:

  • Check the temperature of foods and throw out food that is above 40°F. Cook or refreeze any food that is 40°F or lower.
  • Throw away perishable food (e.g., meat, fish, dairy, and leftovers) if the power has been out for more than four hours or was in contact with flood waters. Don’t taste the food to see if it’s safe to eat. Just throw it away.

By following these food safety practices for power outages, including preparation, actions during the outage, and after power is restored, you can significantly reduce the chances of you or your loved ones developing a foodborne illness.

In addition to the guidelines above, here are further resources to help you prepare your food for an emergency.

References:

[1] Brainy Quote. (2023). Mike Johanns quotes. https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/mike-johanns-quotes
[2] Federal Emergency Management Agency. (n.d.). Flood. https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/article/Flood
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, October 27). Food Safety for Power Outages. https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/food-safety-during-a-power-outage.html

Categories Blog Tags Minority Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Addressing Disparities: Bridging the Gap in Minority Mental Healthcare

Addressing Disparities:

Bridging the Gap in Minority Mental Healthcare

By Bizzell Editorial Staff 

In our interconnected world, it is vital to recognize and address the mental health challenges faced by minority communities. In 2020, suicide was the third leading cause of death for African Americans aged 15 to 24 [1]CDC. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). [Accessed 11/21/2022]. http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html. Minority mental health encompasses the mental well-being of individuals from marginalized racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Despite significant progress in mental health advocacy, there is a pressing need to amplify the importance of minority mental health and promote inclusive and equitable mental health care for all.  

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in July, spotlights the significance of prioritizing the mental health of minorities and the benefits it brings to individuals, communities, and society. One of the primary reasons for prioritizing minority mental health is to challenge the persisting stigma surrounding mental illness within historically underserved minority communities. Stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help and exacerbates the negative impact of mental health issues.

We can empower individuals from minority backgrounds to seek support without fear of judgment or discrimination

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health’s (OMH) mission is to enhance the well-being of racial and ethnic minority communities by formulating health policies and initiatives to eradicate healthcare disparities. OMH offers numerous resources for those struggling with mental health, substance abuse, and serious mental illnesses. The National Institute of Mental Health also provides resources such as:

By promoting awareness and open dialogue, we can empower individuals from minority backgrounds to seek support without fear of judgment or discrimination. Prioritizing minority mental health fosters inclusivity and validates these communities’ unique experiences and perspectives. Together, let’s break the stigma and strive for a future where minority mental health is a top priority, where people of color are empowered with more resources, and we acknowledge mental health disparities. 

References

[1] CDC. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). [Accessed 11/21/2022]. http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html 

[2] National Institute of Mental Health. (2015, April 23). A New Look at Racial/Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Service Use Among Adults. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/archive/news/2015/a-new-look-at-racial-ethnic-differences-in-mental-health-service-use-among-adults  

[3] National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. (2021, December 21). Structural Racism and Discrimination: Impact on Minority Health and Health Disparities. https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/about/publications/structural-racism-and-discrimination-impact-on-minority-health-and-health-disparities.html  

Categories Blog Tags Behavioral Health, PTSD

Honoring the Journey: Celebrating PTSD Awareness Month

Honoring the Journey:

Celebrating PTSD Awareness Month

By Bizzell Editorial Staff

 “Unlike other forms of psychological disorders, the core issue in trauma is reality.” 

– Bessel A. van der Kolk, “Traumatic Stress: The Effects of Overwhelming Experience on Mind, Body, and Society” 

What is trauma? Trauma is an emotional response to an extremely stressful event(s) like an accident, physical abuse, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, combat, natural disasters, and even global pandemics. While not everyone who experiences trauma will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is still important to understand the effects of trauma. 

Trauma biologically changes a person’s brain. When experiencing a traumatic event, the body treats it as a threat, the “fight, flight, or freeze” part of the brain is activated, and the body switches into survival mode. Usually, when the threat has passed, the body will return to a more restful state. However, when the brain doesn’t leave that reactive survival space, PTSD can develop [1]Bizzell, A. C., (2021, June 9). What You Need to Know About PTSD. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-your-health/202106/what-you-need-know-about-ptsd.

June is observed as PTSD Awareness Month, with June 27 highlighted as PTSD Screening Day. Within the civilian population, anywhere from 2.3% to 9.1% of Americans will experience an episode of PTSD within a given year. Within the military population, the rates are significantly higher, with 6.7% to 50.2% of American service members experiencing an episode during a year. Regardless of military status, women are more likely to develop PTSD than men [2]Schein, J., Houle, A., Cloutier, M., Patterson-Lomba, O., Wang, Y., King, S., Levinson, W., Guérin, A., Lefebvre, P., & Davis, L. L. (2021). Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in the United States: a systematic literature review. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 37(12), 2151 – 2161. https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2021.1978417. In addition, it is very common for individuals with PTSD to have at least one comorbid condition, such as depression or anxiety. 

By encouraging people to become more informed about PTSD and what the symptoms may look like, we can lessen the stigma around this condition. Physical symptoms can vary, but may include: 

  • Flashbacks or re-experiencing the event
  • Insomnia
  • Panic attacks
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Migraines
  • Mood instability
  • Depression

Other ways PTSD can manifest itself is through the coping behaviors people employ to manage their symptoms. For example, individuals may avoid certain places, activities, people, or dates to avoid triggering an episode. Other people have intense dreams or repetitive flashbacks that intrude on their normal thought processes. Alterations in both cognition and reactivity are also common responses to PTSD; examples include compulsive negative thoughts, engaging in self-destructive activities, or having a distorted self-perception that reinforces feelings of shame or guilt. 

Self-treatments such as learning mindfulness techniques, practicing deep breathing, and progressively tensing and relaxing muscles can help a person healthfully cope with the overwhelming stimuli during an episode. Other successful treatments include therapy, medication, or a mix of all the above.  

PTSD can be effectively managed through compassionate understanding and appropriate care. The majority of individuals who undergo PTSD ultimately find a path to recovery. Collaborating with a primary care physician to monitor and address symptoms is crucial for achieving recovery or effective management. It is essential to recognize that individuals with PTSD have the capacity to adapt, coexist with their symptoms, and lead meaningful, productive lives. 

Learn more about PTSD from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ National Center for PTSD.

 

References 

[1] Bizzell, A. C., (2021, June 9). What You Need to Know About PTSD. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-your-health/202106/what-you-need-know-about-ptsd 

[2] Schein, J., Houle, A., Cloutier, M., Patterson-Lomba, O., Wang, Y., King, S., Levinson, W., Guérin, A., Lefebvre, P., & Davis, L. L. (2021). Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in the United States: a systematic literature review. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 37(12), 2151 – 2161. https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2021.1978417 

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