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Understanding the opioid epidemic. Brown bag lunch series Framingham public library March 1, 2019 Kelly Joseph, MS. Learning objectives. Describe the disease of addiction Explain how opioids work Recognize the impact of the epidemic
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Understanding the opioid epidemic Brown bag lunch series Framingham public library March 1, 2019 Kelly Joseph, MS
Learning objectives • Describe the disease of addiction • Explain how opioids work • Recognize the impact of the epidemic • Identify your role in reducing opioid misuse in your community
ADDICTION IS A BRAIN DISEASE • Characterized by: • Compulsive Behavior • Continued abuse of drugs despite negative consequences • Changes in the brain’s structure and function • LIKE OTHER DISEASES, ADDICTION • Changes a person’s biology • If untreated, can last a lifetime • Is preventable • Is treatable
DELAY USE = lower risk of developing a substance use disorder later in life • The last part of the brain to develop is the prefrontal cortex – controls judgement and decision making • This, in part, explains why teens and young adults may exercisepoor judgment and risk taking behaviors
Substance use disorder (Mild, Moderate, Severe) • Using more and more to get desired effect • Continued use despite it causing issues with work/family • Giving up activities/responsibilities due to substance use • Inability to cut down/stop • Dangerous use • Cravings and urges to use • Withdrawal symptoms
Commonly Used Opioids Codeine Fentanyl Heroin Hydrocodone (Vicodin) Hydromorphone Methadone Morphine Oxycodone (OxyContin) Percocet
opioid receptors opioid
Stark Statistics • From 2000 to 2016, fatal opioid overdoses in Massachusetts increased __% • Economic costs associated with substance use have been estimated to be as high as $___ billion annually • In 2012, doctors in the U.S. wrote ___ million prescriptions for opioid painkillers • More than __million Americans currently meet the criteria for an opioid use disorder • In Massachusetts Fentanyl was present in __% of deaths in 2017 • __% of heroin users reported using prescription opioids prior to heroin • __% of MA residents know someone who is addicted to opioids 453 700 259 2 81 80 56
What you can do AT HOME MANAGE MEDICATIONS PREVENTION • Understand your risk by learning about any family history of SUD • Ask prescribers about their policies regarding prescribing opioids and any non-opioid alternatives they recommend for effectively managing pain • Ask PCP’s about whether they are trained to treat people with addiction • Store medications in a spot where they cannot be accessed by children, teenagers, or family members with histories of SUD • Dispose of opioids & other medications that you are not using (Framingham Police Department) • Teach your children that they should only take medication that has been prescribed to them • Monitor medications that your teen may be using to relieve headaches, pain or soreness from sports, or minor colds
What you can do IN YOUR COMMUNITY DONATE BECOME TRAINED TO USE NARCAN LEAD BY EXAMPLE • Consider raising money or collecting gifts for local treatment organizations and sober homes. Reminding those who are struggling that there are folks who are rooting for them can send a powerful message to them that they are valued and give them the boost they need to continue working at their recovery • Model non-stigmatizing language • Intervene and help correct people when you hear or see insensitive language being used • The Framingham Health Department offers free, anonymous training on how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer narcan
Language matters • Person with a substance use disorder • Person with an alcohol use disorder • Person in recovery • Negative / Positive • Abstinent • Substance use disorder • Addict, Junkie, Druggie, Crackhead • Alcoholic, Drunk • Ex-addict • Clean / Dirty (for drug test results) • Clean (to describe a person) • Drug habit
want to learn more... Dreamland – Sam Quinones The Big Fix – Tracey Helton Mitchell Pain Killer – Barry Meier Dopesick– Beth Macy Drug Dealer, MD – Anna Lembke
References • Massachusetts Department of Public Health • CDC • SAMHSA • NIDA • ASAM • NIH • JRI Rise • The Harm Reduction Coalition • Shatterproof • National Vital Statistics
Thank you! Kelly Joseph, MS Program Coordinator City of Framingham w: 508.532.5470 kej@framinghamma.gov