Despite what stigma teaches people, it is possible to be a good person and be addicted to drugs or alcohol. It is possible to be a good parent while fighting to overcome a substance use disorder (SUD), and it is vital that mothers feel safe when seeking help. Sadly, the threat of arrest and prosecution frightens most pregnant and nursing mothers away from getting the quality healthcare and treatment that they deserve.

Past research has shown that addicted women face their deadliest year after giving birth. Now, healthcare professionals who spend every day on the front lines with patients, including mothers with addiction, are calling for a change.

American Academy of Nursing Releases Policy Brief

The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) out of Washington, D.C. is calling for an end to the punitive approach to mothers with addiction. In the organization’s journal, Nursing Outlook, it provides their new policy brief urging authorities to cease placing criminal and civil charges against pregnant and parenting women for drug use. Instead, they are calling for a public health response that embraces the women who need help the most.

AAN consists of over 2,700 members. In their recent policy brief, they note that taking legal action against women with SUD can often result in arrest and jail time. Therefore, pregnant and nursing mothers may be so afraid that they don’t seek essential health services. In other words, if mothers with addiction are too afraid of being punished, they may not receive critical medical care. As a result, both mothers and their children are being put at risk.

Additionally, a number of states that consider drug use during pregnancy as grounds for child abuse protection, including:

• Alabama
• Ohio
• Kentucky
• Tennessee
• Wisconsin

In the statement, the AAN says the threat of arrest and sentencing has nurtured a “culture of fear and barriers” for pregnant and nursing women. Instead of pushing a narrative that punishes and shames mothers with addiction, this alliance of nurses believes compassion and support are crucial.

Healthcare in the Opioid Crisis

Initially, the policy brief talks about the opioid epidemic, and the impact it has on pregnant women. The Academy President Karen Cox, PhD, RN, FACHE, FAAN states:

Through this timely brief, the Academy is helping to shape the conversation around providing care to pregnant and parenting women and reducing the stigma of SUDs in the age of the opioid epidemic. One of the Academy’s policy priorities is to advance health equity and champion wellness. To do this, providers must incorporate multi-disciplinary, culturally- and trauma-responsive models of care.”

As the AAN press release noted,

“Early entry into maternity care plays a vital role in long-term health and social outcomes.”

This is a concept that is widely supported by scientific research. Studies show that preschool-aged children, between 3 and 5 years old, with supportive mothers display significant increases in areas of the brain related to:

• Learning
• Memory
• Emotional regulation

To facilitate that crucial level of interaction, the AAN has put forth numerous recommendations at the federal, state, and provider level.

Federal Level Recommendations

• Funding for the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Increased dissemination of SAMHSA’s Clinical Guidance for Treating Pregnant and Parenting Women with Opioid Use Disorders
• Advancement of ongoing training and technical assistance to ensure cultural competence and sensitivity in SUD treatment
• The collection of comprehensive data on maternal deaths due to overdose by the Centers for Disease Control

State Level Recommendations

• Increased funding and the integration of services related to community-based treatment for women, their children, and families affected by substance use

Provider Level Recommendations

• Suggests strategies for nursing leadership “to safeguard accurate and comprehensive clinical assessment and provider practice consistent with a therapeutic health justice approach.”

Overall, the AAN calls for a shift in public health policy toward supporting mothers. Their recommendations are centered on the foundation of recovery and treatment for mothers with addiction. Authors of the press release conclude:

“The Academy is helping to shape the conversation around providing care to pregnant and parenting women and reducing the stigma of SUDs in the age of the opioid epidemic.”

All women deserve a chance at quality healthcare. That includes women who struggle with opioid addiction. Sadly, many women start off using prescription medications and become dependent, which leads them to buying those medications on the street. Eventually, this dependence can lead to illicit opioids, and a full-blown addiction.

Middle-age women are actually the demographic that consumes the most opioids in America. Recent data also suggests that women between 40-59 years old have the highest death rate from opioids among women. Needless to say, we need to be providing better resources for women to get the help they need. That means helping pregnant women and mothers with addiction to feel safe getting care and asking for help.

The Orchid Recovery Program at Palm Partners is specifically designed to help nurture women in their recovery. We offer a secure and supportive atmosphere that helps women to overcome the unique challenges that they face in addiction. Specialized therapies, such as trauma resolution, are meant to empower our clients. Additionally, our Family Program helps mothers and their children heal together. If you or someone you love is struggling, please call toll-free now. We want to help.

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As the drug problem in America continues to evolve, many believe beneath the ever-present opioid crisis is another drug epidemic just as dangerous. Another common element of prescription drug abuse has been amphetamine medications like Adderall. Meanwhile, the use of illicit methamphetamine has also seen a new wave in recent years. According to a review recently published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, data suggests there is a connection between the methamphetamine use and stroke risk for young people.

Breakdown of Methamphetamine Abuse

Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant drug the hijacks the brain reward system. Over the years, this incredibly addictive substance has claimed countless lives, and gone by many aliases, such as:

• Meth
• Crystal
• Crank
• Ice
• Speed
• Tweak
• Glass

The substance is used recreationally for its euphoric and stimulating effects, as well as aphrodisiac qualities. Recreational methamphetamine use, especially for chronic and high-dose use, often causes tolerance to develop rapidly. Often, this dependence leads users to experience severe withdrawal symptoms that correlate with the level of tolerance.

Not only is addiction a major risk, but so is the possibility of overdose and death. Long-term damages caused by meth abuse include serious health risks, such as heart disease and brain damage.

Common Types of Strokes

When looking at the nature of a stroke, and cross-referencing that with the effects of meth use, it isn’t all too surprising that they are connected. Firstly, there are various kinds of stroke depending on different causes. Some of the most common forms of stroke include:

1. Ischemic Stroke (Clot)

According to the American Stroke Association, 87% of strokes are ischemic strokes. It occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke (Bleeds)

This kind of stroke happens when a weakened blood vessel ruptures. There are two types of weakened blood vessels that usually cause this kind of stroke:

• Aneurysms
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)

The most common cause of hemorrhagic stroke is uncontrolled high blood pressure.

3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Commonly known as a “mini stroke,” a TIA is caused by a serious temporary clot. While this is often considered a warning stroke, it should absolutely be taken seriously.

Study on Methamphetamine Use and Stroke Risk

This study uses a comprehensive probe into a collection of research on the connection between methamphetamine use and risk of stroke in young people under the age of 45. Out of 370 studies, the team found 77 relevant pieces, including:

• Epidemiological studies on the influence of exposure on diseases
• Case report studies

Using this relevant research, the review compares two key types of stroke.

Haemorrhagic Strokes

• 81 haemorrhagic strokes were reported overall
• Most common type of stroke associated with taking methamphetamine.
• 8 out of 10 strokes associated with methamphetamine use among young people were haemorrhagic.
• Both swallowing and injection meth are equally linked with haemorrhagic strokes.
• Only one in four people recovered completely
• One third of these stroke victims died

Comparatively, researchers point out that rates of haemorrhagic stroke in methamphetamine users are much higher than:

• People under the age of 45 who don’t use methamphetamine (40-50%)
• Older people (15-20%)

More information examines the health risks linked to both meth use and haemorrhagic strokes. According to the study, one third of cases of haemorrhagic stroke were associated with vascular abnormalities, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Vasculitis (inflamed blood vessels)

Moreover, researchers indicate that repeated methamphetamine use can drive up blood pressure. This is true even for individuals who start off with normal blood pressure.

Ischaemic strokes

• 17 ischaemic strokes were reported overall
• Most commonly associated with inhalation.
• One in five people recovered completely
• One in five of these stroke victims died

Additionally, the findings state that men are twice as likely as women to experience both types of stroke. The big take-away being that there is a significant connection between methamphetamine use and stroke risk in young people.

Other Adverse Effects of Meth Use

Keep in mind, a stroke is not the only severe health risk faced by young people using methamphetamine. In fact, this potent chemical has a laundry list of other adverse physical and psychological side effects.  

Physical effects of meth use include:

• Loss of appetite
• Hyperactivity
• Dilated pupils
• Flushed skin
• Excessive sweating
• Increased movement
• Dry mouth
• Teeth grinding 
• Headache
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Rapid breathing
• High blood pressure
• Low blood pressure
• High body temperature
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Tremors

Psychological effects of meth use include:

• Euphoria
• Dysphoria
• Changes in libido
• Decreased sense of fatigue
• Restlessness
• Insomnia or wakefulness
• Self-confidence
• Sociability
• Irritability
• Grandiosity 
• Repetitive and obsessive behaviors
• Violence

Methamphetamine use also has a high association with mental health issues such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Suicide

With such a potent and dangerous substance, there are various long-term health implications. Other long-term health effects of methamphetamine use include:

• Increased risk of cancer
• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Infection

Needless to say, methamphetamine is an extremely dangerous drug that should not be underestimated. Overall, meth is an incredibly dangerous and devastating substance.

Fighting the Risk of Stroke Due to Methamphetamine Use

At the end of the day, this study’s findings are rightfully troubling. As mentioned before, strokes frequently have disabling or deadly consequences. Meanwhile, methamphetamine use is increasing among young people. That means more young people are at risk of suffering from strokes. The researchers involved in the review hope that people take this seriously as a warning about methamphetamine use and stroke risk in young people, writing:

“With the use of methamphetamine increasing, particularly more potent forms, there is a growing burden of methamphetamine-related disease and harms, particularly among young people, in whom the majority of methamphetamine use occurs.”

“Indeed, it is likely that methamphetamine abuse is making a disproportionate contribution to the increased incidence of stroke among young people observed over recent years.”

Considering all the possible side-effects, helping young people avoid this drug should be a no-brainer.  With the very real risk of overdose and death, and the high potential for addiction, it is essential that people have access to intervention and treatment resources for methamphetamine abuse.

One of the most important aspects of fighting the risk of stroke for young people using methamphetamine is comprehensive addiction treatment. By providing young people with the right resources to help them overcome drug abuse and addiction, they are improving their chances of living a healthier life. By interrupting the cycle of addiction, there is a chance to recover from some of the health issues brought on by drug abuse. However, not all damage is reparable. It is important to get young people the help they need before it is too late.

At The Orchid Recovery Program at Palm Partners, we know that for many w, treating meth addiction is a matter of life and death. Our experienced staff is ready to help each individual build a recovery plan that is right for them. The health and well-being of young people who struggle with substance use disorder are important to us. If you or someone you love is struggling, please call toll-free now 1-800-755-9588.  

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America’s opioid epidemic has paved the way for a lot of new challenges. Frequently, these problems call for new strategies. The overdose outbreak led to staggering death rates, as well as a new wave of harm reduction techniques. Crackdowns on prescription opioids led to an influx in heroin use, and lethal synthetic opioids further exacerbated the issue. Meanwhile, other adverse health effects took root and began to deteriorate communities even further.

In 2017, 47,600 people in the United States lost their lives to opioid overdoses. Since 1999, that number has reached nearly 400,000 deaths across the nation. The opioid epidemic is very real. Now, one public health crisis is feeding another, as the ongoing epidemic fuels growing rates of certain infectious diseases. According to HIV.gov, 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV today, and about 15% of them are unaware they are infected.

Infectious Diseases and Opioid Use Disorder

For some people, it becomes a question of how opioid addiction translates into infectious disease. What happens is, many people with opioid use disorder (OUD) end up injecting opioids, whether they are prescribed or illegal drugs. This even happens to some who start off with legitimate prescriptions taking oral pain medications. As a result, intravenous drug use leads to high-risk injection practices, such as needle-sharing. Consequently, using dirty and contaminated needles causes a surge in infectious diseases.

Additionally, risky sexual behaviors are also often associated with injection drug use. This can further contribute to the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

As the opioid epidemic continues, and intravenous drug use rises, more people are suffering the effects of infectious diseases. This includes conditions such as:

• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis
• Heart infections
• Skin infections
• Soft tissue infections

The opioid element makes fighting the spread of these serious infections all the more complicated. Experts indicate that infectious disease health professionals can play a vital part in curbing the problem by connecting patients with treatment resources. It is important that health professionals not only treat the infection, but also offer support in treating the underlying OUD.

For instance, combining a medication assisted treatment (MAT) such as methadone, with treatment for HIV or hepatitis C, can not only prevent further transmission of those viruses but also reduce opioid use. That is the nature of comprehensive treatment. By addressing all aspects of the individual’s health, comprehensive treatment can improve outcomes for both the infectious disease and opioid use disorder.

Support from Drug Addiction Treatment Providers

On the other hand, treatment providers for substance use disorder should be screening patients for unrecognized infectious diseases. By consulting with infectious disease professionals, addiction treatment programs can offer a more comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the unique challenges these patients may face in recovery.

Calls for more healthcare professionals to collaborate come from a new commentary in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. The article was co-authored by officials from:

• The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
• The National Institutes of Health
• The Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore

The publication asserts that infectious disease and substance use disorder professionals will need to work together to overcome this escalating health issue.

Additionally, the report states that recovery advocates and addiction treatment professionals should also educate patients about needle and syringe exchange programs. By helping those struggling with addiction at least have access to clean needles and safe places to dispose of dirty ones, they can reduce injection risks. Not to mention, these kinds of harm reduction programs often provide an opportunity to connect patients with comprehensive treatment services as well.

The report calls for new federal resources to address the growing opioid epidemic, adding that by offering more resources for addiction treatment, we could effectively reduce to spread of infectious diseases. It makes a lot of sense; if less people are engaging in risk behaviors, they are less likely to become infected or spread an infection. Therefore, giving more people the chance to receive safe medical detox and other inpatient treatment services may help them avoid exposure to a serious disease.

Thanks to a lot of compassionate and innovative recovery advocates, there are a lot of resources for harm reduction. To further support the people most vulnerable, there must be more of an emphasis placed on comprehensive treatment options. The Orchid Recovery Program at Palm Partners Recovery Center is specifically designed to help support women in their path to recovery from addiction. We understand the unique adversities that women with substance use disorder face. Furthermore, we understand the health risks for women with infectious diseases. Our program is meant to offer you or your loved on the best in quality care to help them build a happier and healthier future. If you or someone you love is struggling, please call toll-free 1-800-755-9588.  

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Use of Heroin During Pregnancy

Using heroin during pregnancy can cause serious health problems for you and your baby. The same can be said for most other powerful opioids. There is no denying that the consumption of such potent substances put both you and your unborn child at risk. However, the stigma surrounding heroin use with mothers or pregnant women is a terrible barrier that keeps women from seeking help. Therefore, women struggling with heroin during pregnancy should be given every opportunity to receive comprehensive treatment in a supportive environment.

When looking for help with heroin addiction, for you or a loved one, there are many things to consider. That is why before making a decision, it is important to educate yourself on the basics of heroin addiction and proper treatment.

What is heroin?

For family members of loved ones, it might be hard to understand heroin addiction on the most basic level. So, let us start with the basics.

Heroin is an opiate, which is a kind of drug naturally derived from the flowering opium poppy plant. Some people use the terms opiate and opioid interchangeably, but it is important to note that while all opioids are opiates, not all opiates are opioids. Moreover, opioids are synthetic or semi-synthetic opiates. This includes a lot of prescription painkillers, such as:

• Morphine
• Codeine

Many of these drugs are utilized after an injury or surgery, and require a prescription from your health care provider.

Conversely, semi-synthetic opioids include:

• Heroin
• OxyCodone
• Hydrocodone
• Hydromorphone
• Oxymorphone

Then there are synthetic opioids, such as:

• Methadone
• Fentanyl
• Meperidine
• Tramadol
• Carfentanil

As previously mentioned, heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid. This illicit street drug commonly comes in the form of a white or brown powder. It can also be a black, sticky goo typically referred to as black tar heroin. While most people think of needles when they think of heroin, this is not the only way the drug is consumed. Heroin can be:

• Injected
• Smoked
• Snorted
• Sniffed

How can heroin harm your health?

Considering how potent and unpredictable this kind of street drug can be, there are a lot of ways heroin can do serious harm to your health. On one hand, heroin affects your central nervous system, and alters how the brain works. In addition to a number of side-effects of using heroin, the drug can cause many serious health problems, including: 

• Coma
• Heart infections
• Lung infections 
• Blood borne illnesses like HIV or hepatitis
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Respiratory failure

For women using heroin during pregnancy, each of these conditions can become all the more severe. One of the key ways that heroin causes severe and lasting harm to your health is through addiction.

Drug addiction, or substance use disorder, is a chronic brain condition that causes individuals to use drugs, even if they are harmful. Many women struggling with addiction do have a desire to stop using, but often find that they cannot once intense physical and mental dependence has set in.

Some mothers develop an addiction to opioids that they are actually legally prescribed. However, eventually they may try to obtain them illegally once they are no longer able to get them from a doctor. Furthermore, many of these women end up seeking out heroin because it is a much stronger substance and can be easier to find on the illicit market.

What health problems can heroin cause in pregnancy?

Overall, the health risks for anyone using heroin are significant. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that using heroin during pregnancy can be dangerous, and even life-threatening, for you and your child. For pregnant women, overcoming heroin addiction isn’t just about their own safety, but the well-being of their unborn baby. Using heroin during pregnancy may cause serious problems for the child, including:

Birth defects

Birth defects are health conditions that are present at birth. Some of these defects actually change the shape or function of one or more parts of the body. Subsequently, these conditions can create issues with how the body develops, how the body works, or the overall health of the child. In many cases, these babies require special care at birth, and possibly later in life.

Placental abruption

During pregnancy, the placenta supplies food and oxygen to the baby through the umbilical cord. With placental abruption, the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before birth. This very serious condition can cause very heavy bleeding, making it potentially fatal for both mother and baby.

Premature birth

Preterm labor is when the body goes into the process of giving birth too early, leading to premature birth when the baby is born too early. This is any time before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Babies need about 40 weeks in the womb in order to grow and develop before birth. Using heroin during pregnancy can cause premature birth, which often cause babies to have serious health problems at birth and later in life because they are not fully developed.

Low birthweight

Using heroin during pregnancy can also cause low birthweight. This is when a baby is born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces. It is important to remember that babies born with low birthweight can be healthy, even if they are small. However, low birthweight in babies can also cause serious health issues. Many of these babies have trouble eating, gaining weight, and fighting off infections.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome

Neonatal abstinence syndrome, also called NAS, is a group of conditions that happen when a baby is exposed to drugs in the womb before birth that cause withdrawals after birth. Opioids are the drugs most commonly related to NAS. Sadly, rates of children suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome have increased over the years with the opioid epidemic. Using heroin during pregnancy puts an unborn child at an elevated risk of experiencing this condition.

Stillbirth

This is when a baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The majority of these cases happen before a woman goes into labor. However, a small percentage of them do occur during labor and birth. Having a risk factor for stillbirth, such as using heroin during pregnancy, does not mean for sure that a woman will have a stillbirth. Furthermore, knowing about and reducing your risk factors may help prevent stillbirth. 

Sudden infant death syndrome

When a baby younger than 1 year old dies unexpectedly, it is referred to as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It often happens while the baby is asleep, and can happen to seemingly healthy babies. Many of the health conditions listed above, such as birth defects and low birth weight, are factors that can contribute to SIDS. Therefore, women using heroin during pregnancy should understand the very real risk to their unborn child.

Looking for a heroin detox program

After reading about the many health risks associated with using heroin during pregnancy, a lot of women may assume they need to stop using heroin immediately. However, this is not advisable! It is critical to keep in mind that suddenly quitting (often called going cold turkey) can actually cause severe problems for your baby, including death.

For women who are pregnant and using heroin, experts urge that they should not abruptly discontinue use without getting treatment from their healthcare provider first. Some examples of heroin withdrawal symptoms including:

• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Irritation
• Depression
• Extreme anxiety
• Itchiness
• Excessive yawning and sneezing
• Runny nose
• Cold sweats
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Cramp-like pains
• Involuntary spasms in the limbs
• Severe muscle and bone aches

Your healthcare provider or a drug addiction treatment program can treat withdrawal symptoms and other side-effects with medications like methadone or buprenorphine.

Moreover, there are a lot of important things to consider when looking for a medical detox program. Pregnant women struggling with heroin addiction should always look for comprehensive treatment options that offer medical assistance through each level of care. Additionally, every individual deserves quality care in a safe and supportive environment.

The Orchid Recovery Program at Palm Partners Recovery Center is specifically designed to offer women struggling with addiction a unique and empowering path to recovery. If your or someone you love is struggling, please call toll-free now. We want to help. 1-800-755-9588.  

The post Using Heroin During Pregnancy: How Opioids Impact Mothers and Babies appeared first on Orchid Recovery Center.

It is safe to say that a lot of young people have their first experience with drugs when they are still young enough to be in school. It might be due to exposure to other people using drugs, or being offered drugs by their peers. Needless to say, if someone in the home is using drugs or alcohol, the experience can have a noticeable impact on a young person’s social life and education. Therefore, the fact that teachers are witnessing rising rates of students impacted by substance use disorder at home is troubling, to say the least.

Survey of Substance Use Disorder in Students

The West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, along with Dr. Kim Horn helped to fund a survey of approximately 2,200 teachers and counselors in public schools. Overall, the survey includes 130 questions concentrating on measuring how teachers viewed the opioid crisis. Although, there were also more general questions asked about addiction.

According to the data:

• Nearly 3/4 report witnessing a recent increase in the number of students in their schools affected by addicted parents and caregivers in their homes
• About 50% of those teachers reported a “significant” rise in such students
• Only 6% of teachers or counselors noted a decrease or no change
• 21% of teachers or counselors said they didn’t know either way

The results present here were based on responses received as of the end of January. They represent 49 counties, making up about 10% of the state’s public school teachers and counselors.

Experts Behind the Survey

Dr. Sara Anderson is an assistant professor of learning sciences and human development. She is also on the Monongalia County Board of Education. According to Dr. Anderson, this survey is ongoing, being conducted by professors at the West Virginia University College of Education and Human Services. Additionally, the state Department of Education’s Office of Special Education assists with the survey, as well as research assistance provided by:

• Miles Payne
• Megan Mikesell
• Sloane Glover

She adds that most of the participants have been teachers, thus the sample population so far reflects the typical profile of a West Virginia teacher. However, Anderson also notes that this is a convenience poll, not a random sampling. Therefore, she says it’s not a comprehensive representation of statewide statistics.

Teachers Struggle with Impact of Addiction

Another expert involved in the study is Dr. Jessica Troilo, an associate professor of learning sciences and human development. Dr. Troilo is also a WVU Extension parenting specialist. She states that the survey also included a number of other questions for teacher, such as:

• How they view their ability to handle their students
• What training and resources they believe they need to be more effective

In addition to the range of multiple-choice questions, the survey allows teachers to write about their feelings on these subjects. According to Dr. Troilo, while it is well known that many people in active addiction are also parents, so we see the impact on their children, very little is known about the unique challenges teachers may be facing. Troilo said,

“That was the purpose of our study. We were looking for research on what teachers are experiencing, and we couldn’t find anything.”

According to the responses on this study, around 35% of teachers who responded said they feel frequently or always “burned out.”

Included in reports on the survey, one teacher wrote:

“I wish back in the 1980s in college, that I had chosen another profession. I see my peers in other professions happy and pleased with their careers at this point, at least not struggling. I have been struggling the entire time, all these years, and it only gets worse. And I feel I am more equipped than 95 percent of most teachers in this field with my background experiences.”

Another individual helping with the study is Frankie Tack, a clinical assistant professor and coordinator of WVU’s new addiction studies minor. According to Tack, teachers also express some of the ways a classroom can be impacted by children living with drug abuse in the home. When looking over the results, some of these testimonies are quite disheartening. Tack said:

“Teachers talked about having to wash the kids’ clothes at school. Letting kids not participate in class and go over to a corner on a mat and sleep because they hadn’t gotten sleep the night before because people were in and out of the home. Having extra snacks during the day because they don’t have enough food at home. Just all kinds of things that normally wouldn’t happen in the classroom.”

With more school staff members interacting with children growing up in unstable environments due to addiction, it only makes sense that teachers should be provided with resources that help them create a supportive environment at school.

Helping School Teachers to Help Students

After examining the data, the professors’ make a few recommendations for helping address the issues teachers face. So far, these suggestions include:

• Increasing teacher training on handling students affected by addiction in the home
• Increased training on how to interact with the families of these students
• More support from specialized staff like social workers, counselors and other mental health professionals
• Encourage discussion on such topics and how to address them among teachers
• Provide National Association for Children of Addiction educator kits
• Offer information on Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous support groups for friends and family members of affect students

Dr. Anderson has reported that respondents have grown since the initial 2,200 at the end of January. Now the survey includes over 2,700 teachers and counselors. She adds that the professors will produce a final report on the study’s findings over the summer. Hopefully, this final report will provide a wealth of insight and recommendations for ways to help teachers effectively support students growing up around addiction.

Statistics found in this study are made only more tragic when you consider that a lot of people end up suffering mental health and substance abuse issues later in life due to some childhood trauma. Therefore, the current drug crisis raging across the country could be taking an already vicious cycle of trauma and disorders and making it worse.

Family Recovery Programs

As many teachers and counselors involved in this survey can attest to, addiction is a family disease. Drug and alcohol abuse is not something that only impacts the individual. In fact, it almost always hurts the people closest to the person who is suffering the most. That is why family therapy is another important element of building a strong foundation in recovery.

It can be extremely important for parents or guardians to involve their children in their recovery when trying to create a healthier home. Establishing healthy boundaries and helping their loved ones understand their illness can make a remarkable difference. Family therapy is meant to help people work together with the people they love most to overcome obstacles. In fact, studies show family therapy results in:

• Lower relapse rates
• Increased happiness in the family
• Better functioning in children with addicted parents

Without a doubt, a critical part of helping children and young adults living in homes with an addicted loved one is providing comprehensive treatment opportunities. When a part, guardian, or sibling is suffering with substance use disorder, the impact on an individual can be overwhelming. Not only do teachers deserve resources for helping work with these students and their families, but the ones who struggle deserve quality care.

The Orchid Recovery Program at Palm Partners believes in keeping the family involved in the recovery process. One way we emphasize the inclusion of the family in their loved ones recovery plan is with our Family Recovery Program.

For more answers to your questions regarding addiction treatment for your loved one, see our FAQ’s for Family (PDF). If you or someone you love is struggling, please call toll-free now 1-800-755-9588.  

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Controversy and Cannabis Restrictions

The Sunshine State officially approved medical marijuana just two years ago, joining the growing movement in America for cannabis reform. However, even as the state embraced medicinal benefits of marijuana, there were still plenty of restrictions established to limit use of the substance. One of the most controversial restrictions was the ban on smoking medical marijuana. However, Florida officials have now lifted the ban on selling marijuana buds in the state, effectively making it legal for medical marijuana patients to smoke cannabis.

Medical Marijuana in Florida

In 2014, the Florida legislature enacted the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014. This allows for patients who qualify to obtain low-THC cannabis with a physician’s recommendation. Then in 2016 the statute was amended to include full-strength cannabis, but only for terminally ill patients.

Currently, Florida law does set some limits on patient possession of cannabis and what circumstances qualify patients for medical marijuana.  Qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in Florida include:

• ALS
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Chronic nonmalignant pain*
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Seizures
• Terminal illness (patients diagnosed with no more than 12-months to live)
• Other debilitating medical conditions comparable to those enumerated

However, lawmakers did limit the scope of medical marijuana access by only allowing for cannabis to be dispensed as:

• Oils
• Sprays
• Tinctures
• Edibles
• Vaping juices

In other words, smoking medical marijuana up until now has been deliberately excluded from legal means of consumption. According to lawmakers, this could easily lead to recreational use and drug abuse.

Sources close to former Governor Rick Scott’s administration implied that the ban on smoking medical marijuana was because of the adverse health implications often associated with smoking cannabis, not to mention the social stigma associated with “stoners.” Needless to say, many advocates felt that stigma should not be a determining factor in deciding policy.

Florida lawyer sues the state

Considering the debate around lawmakers deciding to ban smokable marijuana, it is no surprise that a lawsuit would attempt to overturn these restrictions. One advocate in particular is John Morgan, an Orlando-based trial lawyer who financed and organized the successful campaign to make access to medical marijuana a constitutional right.

Morgan’s argument is that Florida legislators actually violated voter’s intent when they prohibited smoking medical marijuana after the public had voted to approve the medicinal use of cannabis.

 Morgan filed a lawsuit in the Leon County Circuit Court in 2017 to sue the state of Florida for the ban on smoking medical marijuana. He argued,

“By redefining the constitutionally defined term ‘medical use’ to exclude smoking, the Legislature substitutes its medical judgment for that of ‘a licensed Florida physician’ and is in direct conflict with the specifically articulated Constitutional process.”

Not too long after, Florida Judge Karen Gievers agreed with Morgan’s argument. In May of 20018, Judge Gievers ruled that Floridians had the right to use medical cannabis treatment recommended by their physicians, which includes smoking marijuana in private places.

That same day, the Florida Department of Health filed an appeal in the federal court in Tallahassee. They argued that Judge Gievers’ verdict goes against the intent of the Florida legislature, which called smoking marijuana a health risk. In other words, the appeal effectively blocked Judge Grievers’ ruling from going into effect.

However, the new governor’s administration seems to side with Morgan’s push against what he calls “unconstitutional” restrictions.

Governor DeSantis says he stands by voters 

On Monday, March 18 the new Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill that removed the ban on the sale of cannabis flowers. DeSantis has actually been pushing for the legislature to pass a law lifting the ban ever since the campaign trail last year. He even voiced support to the argument that the prohibition of smokable medical marijuana was in violation of the voters’ will, and thus the state’s constitution. In a tweet, DeSantis states:

“Over 70% of Florida voters approved medical marijuana in 2016. I thank my colleagues in the Legislature for working with me to ensure the will of the voters is upheld.”

DeSantis said that because of the change to state law, Florida will not follow through with the appeal against the court’s ruling. He also tweeted:

“Now that we have honored our duty to find a legislative solution, I have honored my commitment and filed a joint motion to dismiss the state’s appeal and to vacate the lower court decision which had held the prior law to be unconstitutional.”

Therefore, after revoking the appeal, the original ruling of John Morgan’s lawsuit stands. The ban against smoking medical marijuana is now considered a violation of the Florida constitution.

According to local news, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said this is a victory for voters who had come out in favor of medical marijuana. Fried states,

“It’s a triumph owed to the relentless advocacy of Floridians who refused to be silenced. Our state must not disregard the voice of its people—when the people’s will is nullified by those with authority, liberty cannot survive.”

Smoking medical marijuana already in effect

The new law took effect immediately. The new law took effect immediately. Accordingly, medical cannabis patients over 18 years old will be able to access 2.5 ounces of marijuana every 35 days. 

However, it will take some time for the Florida health department to set standards for prescribing smokable marijuana. Still, at least one medical marijuana patient in Florida was able to purchase marijuana flower by Thursday.

Doug Dixon, 59, was the first patient to make a legal purchase of smokable medical marijuana in Florida this week. Dixon seems to feel this is a better alternative treatment compared to pharmaceuticals. He states,

“I didn’t know if I would ever see it in my time. But it is good to see it. It is good to have the alternative. These pharmaceuticals are killing people. I have lost so many family members.’’

And Dixon is not alone in his preference of cannabis over prescription pills. In a recent study, researchers looked at the difference between annual drug doses prescribed per physician in medical marijuana states versus states without medical marijuana. The findings are pretty significant. For states with medicinal cannabis, the study noted:

• Pain medications- 1,826 fewer doses
• Anxiety medications- 562 fewer doses
• Nausea medications- 541 fewer doses
• Psychosis medications- 519 fewer doses
• Seizure medications- 486 fewer doses
• Sleep disorder drugs- 362 fewer doses
• Depression medications- 265 fewer doses
• Spasticity drugs- 32 fewer doses
• Glaucoma medications- 35 more doses

Looking at this data, it would appear there is a growing population of people who actually trust alternative medicine like medicinal marijuana more than Big Pharma. Some even insist that treatment programs should utilize medical cannabis to treat opioid use disorder.

However, with this new perspective on the potential benefits of marijuana, we also have to be honest and open to discussing the possible harms as well. After all, it is still a mood and mind altering substance. Therefore, those who struggle with substance abuse can easily develop a problem concerning cannabis.

Marijuana Abuse Treatment

According to recent data, approximately 4 million people in the United States met the diagnostic criteria for marijuana use disorder in 2015. In the past four years, several new laws have made marijuana use legal in new parts of the country. Therefore, these numbers have surely increased over time. Even with the medical benefits, it is still important to know the risks.

You may not think addiction to marijuana is dangerous, but it can have lasting effects on both your health and the quality of your life. Marijuana use disorder is often characterized by the harmful consequences of repeated cannabis use. Even if marijuana is not as dangerous as heroin or other illicit drugs, it can still contribute to harmful behavior and serious health issues.

The Orchid Recovery Program at Palm Partners Recovery Center believes that comprehensive addiction treatment should offer a personalized path to recovery. That means that people who struggle with marijuana use disorder should have access to quality care that is both compassionate and effective. If you or someone you love is struggling, please call toll-free 1-800-755-9588 now. We want to help. ption“Fa��

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America’s opioid crisis continues, and by many accounts, it is worse than ever. Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die from an opioid overdose, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Illicit drugs such as heroin or fentanyl contribute to staggering overdose rates across the country. Meanwhile, prescription painkillers have been a huge part of the growing problem. Many opioid medications have been part of the problem, including well-known brand name medications like Percocet.

So what are some of the important facts for fighting Percocet addiction?

Drug Facts

Percocet is a brand name prescription pain medication. The two key ingredients in Percocet include:

1. Oxycodone– a semi-synthetic opiate
2. Acetaminophen– the active ingredient in Tylenol

As an opioid, the drug is classified as a schedule II narcotic by the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has a high potential for abuse that could lead to psychological or physical dependence.  The drug is formulated to offer immediate relief for moderate to severe pain symptoms. It was originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration back in 1976.

Oxycodone, the main ingredient in Percocet, is one of the most common types of opioids involved in overdose fatalities.

Percocet Abuse and Addiction

Percocet addiction can happen in a number of ways.  For instances, not everyone who becomes addicted to Percocet or other opioid medications start as recreational users. Furthermore, that addiction can evolve in different ways over time, and bring with it a lot of adverse health effects.

One factor that helped Percocet abuse become so popular was the misconception that it was a safer way to get high. This is partly because it is legal to purchase with a prescription. It also does not have as bad a reputation as other opioids, such as OxyContin, heroin or morphine. Still, with high enough doses a user can experience euphoria similar to heroin and other opioids.

On the other hand, Percocet is a useful a medication for pain symptoms. Some people who suffer injuries can benefit from the drug as a treatment resource. However, once they developed a tolerance they may start to increase their dosage. As people become more and more dependent, the drug changes the chemistry in their brain and the body. Eventually, that dependence can blossom into a full-blown addiction.

Overall, substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex and intimate condition. It is difficult to predict what causes it, but some common factors that may contribute to the development of an SUD include:

• History of substance abuse
• Family history of SUD
• Undiagnosed or untreated mental illnesses
• A stressful, unstable, or traumatic home environment
• History of impulsive and risky behaviors
• Spending time with other drug users

These are just a few examples of possible elements to consider when trying to prevent Percocet addiction.

Percocet Addiction: Side Effects

Addiction can manifest a variety of ways in different people. Sometimes, the damage is more physical, while other times the damage is more personal. Although in most cases, people who develop Percocet addiction typically suffer both physically and personally. Some of the adversities of Percocet addiction can become permanent without proper intervention. Common side effects include:

• Damage to the heart
• Lung damage
• Eye problems
• Mental health problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Family discord
• Job loss
• Financial problems
• Chronic unemployment
• Homelessness
• Interaction with the legal system
• Social isolation
• Strained relationships
• Suicidal ideation

When Percocet abuse continues, the psychological and physical effects can be devastating and even life-altering. As addiction develops, people will often start to allow other areas of their life to suffer due to their drug use.

Percocet Addiction: Withdrawals

Like most opioids, Percocet users are at high risk of developing a tolerance and even physical dependence. Due to the nature of the drug, there are numerous potential side effects associated with long-term abuse. When the body adapts to such a powerful substance, discontinuing use can cause drastic side effects. Percocet withdrawals can range from mildly uncomfortable to debilitating and even hazardous to overall health.

Some of the most common withdrawals resulting from Percocet addiction include:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Agitation
• Abdominal pain
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Memory loss
• Dizziness
• Runny nose
• Increased tearing eyes
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Chills

Withdrawal symptoms are often one of the most difficult obstacles that people trying to recover from Percocet addiction face. As these symptoms grow progressively worse, the risk of relapse grows as well. Most people find this period so painful that they return to active drug use simply to avoid these symptoms.

Sadly, in many cases, people who stop using drugs and then relapse are at an elevated risk of succumbing to a fatal overdose. When the body begins to adjust without the substance, and the person goes back out and uses the same amount without the same tolerance, it can be deadly.

All this just shows why safe medical detox is such an essential part of the recovery process.

Percocet Addiction: Detox and Treatment

By providing the opportunity to safely transition off of substances with medical support, detox can help people establish a foundation for future growth and personal development.

Percocet addiction should always be treated by licensed professionals to ensure the safest and most effective treatment possible. One option for addressing issues with opioids is a medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which offers access to medication that makes the effects of withdrawal more bearable. Comprehensive treatment should go beyond assistance with the physical symptoms of opioid dependence. It should also include therapy that helps to address underlying issues, as well as care for co-occurring disorders and resources for family and loved ones. Additionally, patients should also receive relapse prevention training and aftercare options.

As opioid overdose rates continue to rise, it is vitally important that more people gain access to quality treatment options. Far too many people lose their lives each day to drug overdoses. At the Orchid Recovery Program at Palm Partners, we do everything we can to provide empowering and compassionate treatment options to women. If you or someone you love is struggling, please call toll-free now 1-800-755-9588.   

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How Triggers Influence Relapse

Today we understand that addiction is far more than just poor choices that lead to physical consequences, such as dependence and withdrawal. Evidence shows that the true nature of substance use disorder is complex, and psychology plays a major role. Furthermore, it isn’t just about what leads people to addiction. It is also important to understand how the brain adapts to the addiction. Moreover, how the mind associates outside elements with drug use.  When an outside influence causes cravings to use drugs or alcohol, the external factor is often called a trigger.

Sometimes these factors can create intense reactions, and come from seemingly out of nowhere. So how do triggers happen, and how do you protect yourself from them and prevent relapse?

Emotional Triggers

Triggers are commonly known as any form of stimuli that initiates the desire to engage in drug use. In recovery, this puts individuals at risk of relapse. In some cases, a trigger can cause a person in recovery to slip up and go back to using substances, or they may regress into other self-destructive behaviors.

For some, their addictive behaviors or cravings may result from emotional triggers. They may struggle to cope with certain feelings, like stress or sadness. Over time, many drug users learn to rely heavily on substances to numb themselves to their emotions. So when they start feeling intensely, their mind reverts back to those old habits.

Furthermore, triggers are not exclusively from negative emotions. For instance, some people will feel cravings when they get happy or excited. It might be described as a feeling of invulnerability or confidence, or wish to celebrate. While it is a good thing to embrace the joy in life, it can be dangerous for those who let it be an excuse to use drugs or alcohol.

These emotional responses can occur at random, or they can be inspired by some familiar circumstance. Sometimes people, places and things can spark these intense emotional responses. This is because memories also play a crucial part in development of triggers.

Memory Response to Environmental Cues

Environmental cues not only trigger emotional responses, but also trigger areas in the brain that process memories. Experts state that activating these memory processing systems makes it even more challenging to recover from active addiction. This is something that anyone who has experienced intense drug cravings due to external triggers can attest to.

Some people may use drugs to deal with past traumas or other memories that they are not otherwise equipped to deal with. On the other hand, some may use because their memories of a place, person or an event may be so strongly associated in their mind to using drugs or alcohol. Their mind my glorify past drug use in a specific setting, or may associate a connection with other people with using or risk behaviors.

Two factors commonly contribute to developing a trigger. One is the intensity of a situation. If a memory is extremely powerful and personal, it can easily establish a trigger quickly. For example, someone who experiences the loss of a loved one may feel triggered later on by memories of that loss.

The other is repetition. If a situation is repeated over and over again, that memory can become more and more solidified in the mind. For example, if someone were to use alcohol every time they went to a concert, they might feel triggered when trying to go to a concert while sober.

In either case, their memories are causing the intense reaction that causes drug cravings.

New Study on Triggers and the Brain

A recent study by researchers at the University of Guelph reveals that there is a lot going on in the brain when those environmental cues take place that would qualify as a trigger. The study was published in the journal Learning and Memory and featured experiments with lab rats. Researchers measured rats’ memory of objects in test chambers under the influence of cocaine and nicotine. Then they compared those reactions to how well the rats performed when prompted only by the environmental stimuli associated with the drugs. Then, they tested the rats without drugs.

What they found was that if a rat had been under the influence of cocaine or nicotine in the chamber, they would show more activity when testing their memory without drugs. Conversely, if the rat had not been under the influence of drugs, they would not perform as well with memory tests in the same environment.

According to the researchers, this suggests environmental cues corresponding with cocaine and nicotine use can strengthen memories in the brain. As a result, the strength of those triggers can make it harder to treat drug abuse.

If this is the case, it would mean that each time an individual is making memories while under the influence of certain substances, those memories are held stronger in the brain. Therefore, responses to those memories will be more intense.

Dealing with Triggers and Offering Treatment

If memories and emotions can create these intense urges to use or engage in destructive behavior, then these triggers can put individuals at risk of relapse. After all, using drugs or alcohol becomes a “solution” for these emotions or situations. Subsequently, when that “solution” is taken away and the emotions or situations persist, most people do not know how to cope.

This is why comprehensive addiction treatment is so important. An effective program should always off resources for:

• Educating on the science of addiction and how it changes the brain
• Personalized therapy
• Stress and trauma treatment options
• Strategies on coping with triggers
• Relapse prevention programming
• Aftercare recovery support     

Luckily, environmental cues may be able to help improve cognitive behavioral therapy. According to a co-author of the memory study mentioned earlier, the powerful cognitive effects of such cues could ultimately be used to enhance learning during the recovery process. Meanwhile, addiction treatment providers must provide quality care that addresses the underlying issues of substance use disorder. This means teaching patients how to cope with emotional shifts, and overcoming trauma and other triggers.

The Orchid Recovery Program at Palm Partners is uniquely designed to address issues women face, including trauma. Coping with triggers and overcoming adversity is essential to growth in recovery. We believe in empowering women in recovery from drugs or alcohol through quality care and continued support. If your or someone you love is struggling, please call toll-free 1-800-755-9588.   

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Controversy is nothing new to the kratom scene. In recent years, the compounds usefulness and safety as a therapeutic agent has been considered questionable. Many attribute this to the limited amount of quality research available. For years, supporters have been shouting that the substance is safe and natural medicine that is being wrongfully stigmatized. However, new research may suggest that the risks of kratom poisoning do in fact outweigh the supposed rewards.

What is Kratom?

To clarify, kratom is a common name for the plant called Mitragyna Speciosa. This is a tropical tree in the coffee family. It is native to Southeast Asia, and has reportedly been used since the 19^th century in traditional medicines. This is in part to what has led to its growing popularity in the mainstream.

The plant has both opioid properties, as well as some effects similar to those found as stimulants. However, it is not an opioid. On the other hand, its active molecules do bind to the same neuronal receptors as opioids. Some users claim it is helpful with managing:

• Chronic pain
• Depression
• Anxiety

Meanwhile, many use the compound recreationally. In some cases, users will mix the plant with other psychoactive substances, including caffeine or codeine. Otherwise it can be consumed by:

• Chewing the leaves
• Brewing the leaves in tea
• Mixing with other drinks
• Ingesting in tablet form
• Consuming powder in drinks or on food

In 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that there is no evidence that kratom is safe or effective for treating any condition. Meanwhile, it does have plenty of notable side effects. Common mild side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation

Some of the more severe side effects reported include:

• Respiratory depression
• Seizure
• Addiction
• Psychosis

Furthermore, there are reports of deaths resulting from the substance. Although, in most instances, it was mixed with other substances. The FDA reports that between 2011 and 2017, there we 44 kratom-related deaths in the United States.

Tracking Cases of Kratom Poisoning

Despite the back and forth debate about the alleged values of kratom, new data may indicate just how poisonous it can be. As part of a new study, researchers discovered that calls to poison control centers in recent years regarding the use of the herbal substance have increased more than 50-fold.

To put things into perspective, the number of calls to poison control centers relating to kratom poisoning across the country include:

• 2011- 13 calls to poison control
• 2017- 682 calls to poison control

Out of those calls:

• 11 individuals died
• Nearly 10% experienced life-threatening side effects

Again, keep in mind that the majority of these cases involved another substance in addition to kratom. In fact, individuals who took kratom with another drug were more than twice as likely to experience a more serious response.

Additionally, of the 11 fatalities, nine reportedly ingested other substances including:

• Alcohol
• Fentanyl
• Cocaine
• Benzodiazepines

Of course, given the nature of these powerful drugs, kratom cannot necessarily be burdened with the blame for these deaths. However, researchers still believe that the substance plays a significant part in the severity of the symptoms people experience.

Still, researchers conclude their report by requesting enhanced information about kratom poisoning and increased regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on kratom products.  

Specifics of the Study

Initially, there were two key intentions of the study:

1. Determining the number of calls to poison control centers that involved kratom
2. Identifying the demographic information of the callers

To find that information, researchers reviewed data on 1,800 calls from the National Poison Data System. The full report was then published in the journal Clinical Toxicology.

2011 was designated as the beginning of the time period used in the study. However, researchers point out that 65% of the calls were received in the final two years of the study, 2016 and 2017. Live Science notes that the data shows:

• Approximately one-third of all the calls required treatment at a health care facility
• 71% of the calls involved men over the age of 20
• Approximately 2.5% of the cases involved children under the age of 12

Out of all the children who were exposed to kratom, seven were newborns. And of those newborns, five reportedly experienced symptoms of withdrawal due to exposure in the womb. One infant was even exposed to kratom through breastfeeding.

Popular VS Practical

Currently, kratom is still technically legal in the United States.

Americans today are more willing to embrace alternative medicines, herbal supplements and drug reform than previous generations. Support for new changes like cannabis legalization, harm reduction strategies and even safe injection sites has continued to grow. Likewise, the belief that kratom contains healing properties has helped to increase the substances use in recent years. 

According to the American Kratom Association, between 3 and 5 million people in the United States use it. In fact, with the opioid epidemic in America being such a pervasive issue, many argue that kratom can actually be used for treating opioid and alcohol dependency symptoms. However, experts assert that the risks of addiction with kratom are still very real.

Even thought the FDA so far has not approved kratom for any medical use, proponents are still pushing back against government regulations. Case in point, the Department of Health and Human Services and Drug Enforcement Administration briefly attempted to ban the substance. However, public outcry ultimately led to the organization giving up on the ban. 

However, health officials and lawmakers are skeptical. This study is just another reason that many believe there need to be more thorough investigations into the drugs effects and the risks of kratom poisoning. Thus far, there appears to be a lack of significant scientific evidence that proves the usefulness of the substance as a medicine.

So even if the drug is popular, it has yet to prove as being practical. It is very likely that a lot of people will jump on this article as an attack on kratom, but truthfully it is only presenting a reasonable question and asking for more comprehensive answers.

Kratom and Opioids

Part of the reason the DEA is so cautious about kratom is the close resemblance biologically to opioids. At one point, the agency had even considered using emergency scheduling to classify the plant as a Schedule I substances. This would put it in the same restrictive category as others with a high potential for abuse and no medical value, such as:

• Heroin
• LSD
• MDMA
• Mescaline
• Cannabis

As previously mentioned, the attitude toward cannabis has changed drastically over the last several years. Therefore, it is easy to see why so many kratom supporters pushed back. In the end, an advocacy group named the American Kratom Association raised $400,000 to pay a legal team and lobbyists to rally Congress. In the end, representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties wrote a letter to the DEA stating:

“Given the long reported history of kratom use, coupled with the public’s sentiment that it is a safe alternative to prescription opioids, we believe using the regular review process would provide for a much-needed discussion among all stakeholders.”

 The move worked, and the DEA took a step back from their actions. However, many researchers remain skeptical as to the real scientific evidence that shows the drug is more good than bad.

Conclusion of Study

As part of their conclusion, the researchers offer a number of recommendations for future action regarding kratom.

For one, they advise the medical community to disseminate more information about the risks of kratom. This includes the side effects and more severe symptoms. Specifically, they believe there should be more information for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Furthermore, they suggest the FDA increase regulations. Written in the conclusion is the statement:

“At a minimum, they should be free of potentially harmful ingredients, provide a uniform strength of active ingredients and have appropriate labeling.”

At the very least, even those who support the substance as an alternative medicine might be willing to embrace regulation that could ensure better for the quality of kratom products. However, when it comes to having a substance with some very real adverse effects on the market for consumption, many believe we should proceed with caution. This is especially true when reports of cases involving kratom poisoning have grown drastically at the same time that the substance has become more popular.

No matter what side of the argument you are on when it comes to the legal status of kratom or the supposed benefits, the substance still has addictive properties. Substance use disorder and physical dependency can be devastating, and every person struggling with an addiction deserves comprehensive and effective treatment resources. If you or someone you love is struggling, please call toll-free 1-800-755-9588. �%��*
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In the age of the opioid crisis, new synthetic drugs have become part of the illicit drug trade. Many of these substances are even more deadly than street drugs like heroin or prescription pain medications like OxyContin. In fact, some of these chemical compounds are so potent that even law enforcement and first responders are at risk just by handling the substance.

Just this week Police headquarters in Sunnyvale, California had to be evacuated after a substance suspected to be fentanyl sent multiple officers to the hospital.

An arrest led to drugs being discovered

The situation at the California police station all started with a substance that was confiscated from a suspect at See’s Candy. A call had been made that a man was urinating in public. According to police, the responding officers eventually arrested the unnamed suspect on two outstanding warrants in San Luis Obispo County.

At was at this point that police confiscated the bag filled with suspected narcotics. Allegedly, the suspect told police that fentanyl was part of the mix. Results are currently being procured at Santa Clara County’s crime lab. Incidentally, a patrol officer at the Department of Public Safety headquarters was accidently exposed to the chemical. Police have been told it was fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid far stronger than heroin or morphine.

The San Jose Mercury News states that according to the police report, the officer immediately felt “severe respiratory distress.” Symptoms are said to have been felt very quickly, according to Jim Choi, a spokesperson for Sunnyvale police.

Officers were evacuated  due to exposure

Authorities did not seem too keen to take the risk of further exposure. Following the initial offer’s reaction to the chemical, six officers from Sunnyvale’s Department of Public Safety were hospitalized and evaluated as a precaution. Thankfully, all of the officers involved have since returned home from the hospital.

Furthermore, Jim Choi states that the building was still under a “Level A” quarantine the next morning while crews processed police headquarters for hazardous materials. Officers state that after the headquarters had initially been evacuated, a hazmat team entered the station to retrieve the suspected fentanyl and “decontaminated the affected areas.” According to a press release,

“The exposure was contained to DPS Headquarters and there is no threat to the community. Police, fire and EMS services were not affected during this incident.”

Needless to say, it is good to know that the officers involved in the incident were not severely injured due to the accidental exposure.

Knowing the risks of accidental fentanyl overdose

Exposure to fentanyl can quickly lead to an accidental overdose. Now more than ever before, police officers and first responders have to be aware of this fact. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA):

• Fentanyl can be 40 to 50 times more potent and lethal than heroin
• An analog of fentanyl called Carfentanil is 100 times more powerful than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine.

The deadly synthetic drugs can still be life-threatening even when not intentionally consumed. In other words, simply coming into contact with the drug through the skin or breathing it in can cause severe side effects or even death.

Front-line police officers can become accidentally exposed to these substances in a number of ways out in the field. Police can experience exposure while conducting searches on individuals, vehicles or residences. It can even happen while administering first aid or naloxone to an overdose subject.

The DEA has even issued an officer safety alert, warning all first responders of the possibility of such an overdose. The alert describes the symptoms of a fentanyl overdose, and provides instructions on how to respond.

Departments all over the United States have been working together to try and develop strategies for preventing exposure to fentanyl and other toxic narcotics that can harm police officers. Meanwhile, the nation is full of organizations and advocacy groups working hard to find a way to effectively turn the opioid crisis around.

Part of the solution to the opioid crisis has to be effective and comprehensive treatment opportunities for those who are suffering. Not only do we need to support law enforcement efforts to combat drug abuse and drug trafficking, we have to provide resources for those who need help to get off of these dangerous substances. Many do not know how to get help. That is why it is so important to get the right help to those who are looking to change their lives. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-755-9588 now. �ʊ

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