Recovery Services at the Health Fair

Thank you so much to the Recovery Services staff for making our booth at the NM Health Fair such a success!  We were very pleased that lots of visitors stopped by and we were able to spread the word about treatment for opioid addiction.  We met a lot of great people and had a blast - see you next year!

 

New Info from CDC Shows Drug Overdose Deaths On the Rise

In this short but staggering article released by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services, the latest CDC data showing continued increase in US drug overdose death rates are discussed.  The leading drugs for these deaths are unequivocally opiate and opioid, underscoring the need for expanded medication assisted treatment using methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

Click Here for the HHS Article 

Click Here for the CDC raw Data

Recovery Services has been, and will continue to be, dedicated to fighting our Nation's drug overdose epidemic through medication assisted treatment, meaningful behavioral health services, community outreach, and legislative support. 

NM Senator Howie C. Morales Voices Support of NM Medicaid Expansion

In this concise and direct piece, NM district 28 Senator Howie C. Morales defends the NM Medicaid Expansion and sheds light on the many ways that it positively affects our State:

Click Here for Story

Recovery Services of New Mexico is a strong supporter of NM Medicaid and its expansion to cover addiction and behavioral health services. Without this option for insurance coverage, many tens of thousands of New Mexicans would be unable to seek treatment to help them improve their lives, rebuild their families, and strengthen our communities. 

Recovery Services at the Health Fair in Hagerman, NM!

Thanks from Valle Vista Elementary School!

CDC Report on Drug Abuse Reveals Ominous Trends for US and NM

Opioid drug abuse, particularly heroin and prescription painkiller abuse, has become an increasing problem in the United States in recent years. This week, the ever-growing corpus of evidence supporting this claim was bolstered by a Center for Disease Control and Prevention report which revealed startling data for the United States and for New Mexico.

Findings indicate that rates of heroin use and fatal overdose deaths are rising, especially among young adults and the poor. In the 18-25 age group, use rates doubled. From 2002-2013, heroin-related overdose deaths rose an alarming 286%. Following a two-year lull, heroin overdose deaths in New Mexico resurged in 2014. New Mexico State Department of Health spokesman Kenny Vigil stated that drug overdose deaths in New Mexico saw a “substantial increase” in 2014.

How can we explain such disturbing trends? According to Harris Silver, a retired physician and co-chair of the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative, the rising heroin use rates are directly related to rising rates in prescription opioids.

The State’s Prescription Monitoring Program has helped to increase safety related to prescription drugs, yet efforts to curb prescription drug abuse sometimes have unintended consequences. Once the monitoring program identifies individuals who are doctor shopping, misusing, or overusing medications, they are cut off from the drugs. These individuals, now unable to legitimately obtain prescription painkillers and drug-dependent, often resort to a seemingly superior alternative: heroin. Cheaper than prescription painkillers, widely available, and potent, heroin has become the pressure-release valve for many people suffering from opioid drug dependence.

According to experts, treatment options for opioid dependence are scarce and hard to access. This is a serious problem, as treatment represents an important tool in the fight against drug addiction. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration indicate that for every public dollar spent on treatment, twelve dollars are saved which would otherwise be funneled into criminal justice and medical services.

Untreated addictions have a far-reaching array of societal consequences. In 2011, Santa Fe Police Captain Jerome Sanchez worked in the city’s Property Crimes Unit. Commenting on the trends he noticed, he stated: “Burglaries, auto theft, shoplifting, they were all going through the roof. And every single person we arrested that year was an addict.” He indicated that individuals involved in these crimes were in serious need of treatment and wanted help.

Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales stated that “this is a health issue that needs to be addressed, not a criminal issue, and the sooner we as a country realize that, the better off we’ll all be.” Reallocating resources toward treatment and prevention, rather than criminal justice and incarceration, represents the wisest course of action regarding substance abuse.

Prevalence of Military Personnel Substance Abuse on the Rise

Our Country’s military service members endure great challenges and stresses during their careers and after they exit active service. Military operations in recent years have led to a spike in combat exposure, injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse. Veterans are often returning home sore, injured, traumatized, and in need of rehabilitation. In this article we will briefly explore the nature of drug abuse within our military and discuss the treatment gaps that exist in the military health care paradigm.

The Nature of the Problem

There are marked differences in the nature of drug abuse within the military compared to the civilian population. The strains of wartime deployment and the unique military culture account for some of these differences. Although rates of illegal substance use are lower among military personnel than among civilians, prescription drug and alcohol use are higher. Considering the military’s zero tolerance policies, the high stigma associated with illegal drugs in the military, and the propensity for service members to sustain serious injuries, these trends make sense.

Rates of prescription drug abuse have increased dramatically over the past thirteen years. From 2002 to 2005, prescription drug abuse doubled amongst U.S. military service members and nearly tripled between 2005 and 2008. Additionally, military personnel have substantially higher rates of prescription drug abuse than civilians. In 2008, a survey revealed that 11% of service members reported prescription drug abuse compared to only 5% among the civilian population.

Unique Treatment Challenges

Many service members feel they must remain stoic and not talk about their problems. For some of these individuals, relief can be found in alcohol or other substances. Military personnel receiving opioid pain medications for injury often find that these drugs provide a kind of psychic relief as well. What begins as a legitimate need may become its own beast – an addiction to opioid pain medications.

Active military personnel suffering from substance abuse disorders are in a disadvantageous position with regard to treatment. There are numerous shortcomings in the substance abuse treatment infrastructure within our military. Most prominent among these shortcomings are a lack of professionals trained to handle the immensity of military drug addiction, a lack of confidentiality for patients, and a military culture which stigmatizes addiction and evokes fear in affected individuals.

A 2012 report conducted by the Institute of Medicine recommended various means of addressing military substance abuse, including increasing the use of evidence-based preventions and treatments, expanding access to care, increasing confidentiality, and shifting the cultural climate to mitigate stigma and fear.

Recently, some changes have been implemented to address the growing problem. The Department of Defense has mandated increased prescription drug monitoring and restrictions on their use. Access to alternative therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, and counseling has been increased. Despite these changes, many service members are not receiving the treatment they require. Much work remains to be done in order to adequately serve those who serve us.

Benefits of Exercise in Recovery from Drug Addiction

Drug abuse and addiction takes a severe toll on the body, mind, and spirit of an individual. Over time, one may become consumed with drug use and drug seeking to the exclusion of all else. Proper diet and adequate sleep may seem like foreign concepts. Activities which used to be enjoyable sound boring or pointless. Isolation, self-centeredness, and unhealthy living become the norm.

Difficulties lie along the road to long-term recovery. Once an addict stops using, life does not suddenly become perfect. Each individual’s path to recovery looks different, but one valuable tool most recovering addicts can benefit from is regular physical exercise.

Stress and Anxiety Relief

Exercising taxes the body and may even cause some discomfort. In response to this hardship, the body releases endorphins – chemicals produced by the central nervous system which, in part, mimic the effects of opioids such as morphine. Through endorphins, the stress of exercise is diminished, and we feel a sense of well-being and happiness. This phenomenon is responsible for the “runner’s high” many experience as a result of working out.

While exercising, we are focused on the physical task at hand instead of the anxieties and problems of our lives. Channeling mental resources into focused exercise is a great way to expend energy that could otherwise manifest in an unhealthy manner. Many of us consider quiet meditation difficult, finding that our minds race or dwell on whatever issues we are experiencing. However, exercise can be a form of meditation. It may be easier to devote oneself to a physical activity and temporarily suspend inner tensions.

Goal Setting and Feelings of Accomplishment

Proper exercise strikes a balance between challenge and safety – we should push ourselves to improve without injury. Accomplishing this takes some discipline. Strapping on running shoes and hitting the pavement in an unstructured manner is unwise and potentially unsafe. Goal-setting and progress tracking are two important aspects of a well-structured exercise program.

Over time, a natural consequence of exercise should be a steady improvement in our physical abilities. Using our present skill level as a starting point, we increase our exercise difficulty slowly. Keeping an exercise journal is a great way to objectively assess one’s training.

After some time, we can look back on our records and see progress. The self-discipline necessary to maintain progress in an exercise schedule teaches valuable skills to addicts in recovery and provides a great feeling of accomplishment. Exercising then becomes a positive habit, leading to improved self-esteem, confidence, and optimistic thinking.

Rediscovering Healthy Fun and Forming New Social Networks

Early in recovery, it can feel like we will never have fun again. How can we enjoy ourselves without our drugs and partying? What should we do with all this new free time? Transitioning from a life centered on drug use to a balanced life full of healthy activities can be a difficult process.

The improvements in mood and health provided by exercise greatly assist in the appreciation of daily life. Getting out and being active is a great way to start enjoying ourselves again. Finding friends to exercise with keeps us motivated to be healthy and provides new social outlets. Whether you are in recovery from addiction or not, do yourself a favor and get moving!

The Need for Methadone Maintenance in Jail

Implications of Inadequate Methadone Treatment Policy in Jails

The United States currently has the largest prison population in the world. As a result of “tough on crime” laws enacted in the 1980s, substantial portions of the U.S. population have entered the criminal justice system, and many of these are nonviolent drug offenders. Our society has an important stake in the outcome of incarceration and the rehabilitation of these individuals. Most incarcerated people will re-enter society at some point and it is imperative that we assess the efficacy of our criminal justice policies.

Methadone Maintenance Treatment and Jails

Methadone, an opioid replacement medication, has long been used to stabilize opiate-dependent individuals. Instead of spending time chasing down drugs and possibly engaging in criminal behavior, patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment receive a safe daily dose of methadone tailored to their level of dependence. When properly utilized, methadone maintenance therapy enables patients to engage in other therapies and live life more normally.

But what happens if such a patient has a run-in with the law? A recent study in Rhode Island revealed some important information regarding methadone maintenance therapy and incarceration. The results of the study have important implications for U.S. policy and for our society at large.

According to Professor Josiah D. Rich, M.D., ninety percent of patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy are forced into immediate withdrawal upon incarceration. This abrupt treatment cessation has serious consequences, starting with a difficult, and sometimes painful, florid opioid withdrawal.

While on methadone, patients maintain a stable level of opiate tolerance. During incarceration, this tolerance diminishes greatly without access to methadone. Decreased tolerance to opioids leads to a high risk of overdose death upon release. Meaning, when these individuals regain freedom, returning to a customary dose of drugs can prove fatal. Periods after incarceration can represent the highest potential for death in an opioid-dependent person’s disease trajectory.

The Rhode Island study also found that methadone cessation in jail resulted in substantial disruptions in treatment upon release. Almost half of the individuals unable to receive methadone treatment in jail did not return to methadone treatments upon release. Of those receiving methadone in jail, almost all continued their treatment upon release.

What To Do?

The current healthcare paradigm in jails and prisons in the United States needs revision. Unlike the free world, there is no holistic oversight of healthcare behind bars. In the case of methadone, individuals entering the criminal justice system are being removed from legitimate pharmacological therapy.

This is a serious public health issue: inconsistencies and inadequacies in jailhouse healthcare lead to perpetuation of crime, drug use, and transmission of infectious disease. This recent study provides evidence that in-jail methadone treatment greatly improves the likelihood that patients will remain in therapy post-release. Such individuals are less likely to die of overdose, engage in criminal behavior, and contract HIV, Hepatitis C, and other blood-borne illnesses.

Policies supporting the use of methadone maintenance therapy in jails and prisons should be advocated. Additionally, institutions can mitigate harms by educating inmates prior to release. Inmates and their families should be informed about the risks of overdose death, issues of drug tolerance, and how to intervene if an overdose occurs.

Recovery Services of New Mexico solely developed, and has successfully executed for over 5 years, the State's first and only methadone maintenance program inside a correctional facility. For Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center, inmates who enter while enrolled in community methadone treatment will continue to receive treatment while they are incarcerated. We believe strongly in this program, fought hard for its existence, and will work to provide the ongoing efficacious treatment. Please see our webpage HERE to read about our program and the University of New Mexico study proving its effectiveness.

Reference: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)62338-2/fulltext

Prescription Drug Abuse Among Elders is a Growing Concern

An Issue on the Rise

When people think about “drug abuse,” their mind usually conjures images of young people partying, working adults juggling addiction and their career, or those involved in criminal behavior. While it is true that illicit street drug use is more prevalent in younger individuals, prescription drug abuse, misuse, and dependency within the elderly population is a growing concern.

As of 2012, individuals aged 65 and older represented approximately 13% of the total US population. However, this same group accounted for 33% of all prescription medications prescribed. This is natural, considering the many illnesses that often accompany advanced age. However, polypharmacy is associated dosing mix-ups, greater risk of dependency, and potential abuse. Furthermore, decreased liver function, memory deficits, and mental illness also potentially contribute to these prescription drug problems. Elderly individuals require close monitoring to ensure their medications are appropriate and that dosing instructions are being followed.

Many different behaviors can constitute prescription drug abuse. An individual might take more medication than required, take their medication at improper times, or mix their medications with alcohol or other drugs. Some classes of drugs which carry an increased abuse potential include anti-anxiety medications, pain medications, and sleep aid medications. Many of these medications may produce feelings of euphoria, a side effect that can initiate or potentiate misuse.

Changing Demographics

The elderly population is expected to increase dramatically as the “baby boomer” generation ages, and corresponding increases in prescription drug abuse are anticipated. While many have commented that the "World War II generation" generally avoids taking medications, this trend does not necessarily hold true for their offspring. The baby boomer generation is somewhat characterized by a different set of values and cultural norms than their parents. Illicit drug use was ubiquitous during part of this generation's formative years in the 1960s & 1970's, and baby boomers are generally more willing to take substances.

Practical Issues

Well-meaning friends and family members represent one common means of inappropriately obtaining prescription drugs. Many of our medicine cabinets contain unused pain medication and other prescriptions. It may seem harmless, even altruistic, to share medicine with a suffering friend or family member. However, this practice is very dangerous; prescriptions are tailored to suit individual need, and one's prescribed medication could be life threatening to another person. Moreover, sharing prescription medications is prohibited under federal and state law.

Managing pain and illness in the elderly population can be a tough balancing act. Many prescription drugs have a high potential for abuse and medication misuse is a growing trend. Although we should avoid baseless paranoia and suspicion of our loved ones, a few behaviors represent red flags for prescription abuse:

• Using multiple doctors and/or pharmacies for the same medication
• Taking more medication than required or more often than required
• Abrupt mood changes
• Frequently talking about a medicine
• Reacting in a defensive manner when asked about medicines
• Hording or stockpiling medicines
• Hiding medicines

If you or someone you love is misusing medications, please reach out to find a treatment center or addiction professional in your area. Recovery Services of New Mexico is committed to addressing this troubling trend and is available for treatment or referral.