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National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is March 16-22

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Observed during the third full week of March (March 16-22), National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week aims to inspire dialogue and offer education about the science of drug use and addiction. A number of surprising facts illustrate the seriousness of the issue today.

  • Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance and the third most common cause of death in the U.S. Although legal, alcohol kills over 95,150 Americans each year.
  • Thirteen is the average age at which children experiment with drugs.
  • An estimated 60% of poor work performance can be tied to drug or alcohol use.
  • 138 million Americans age 12 and over drink alcohol, and 20.4% of them have an alcohol use disorder.
  • Common reactions to substance use include needing to consume more to get the same effect; substance dependency; painful withdrawal symptoms; high blood pressure and stroke; problems with the liver and pancreas; development of certain cancers; loss of motivation; depression and anxiety.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.

Physical wellbeing: tips for maintaining a health body.

  • Keep your physical wellbeing high on your priority list—it’s a foundation for thriving in all areas of life!
  • Pay attention to how you feel and make adjustments as needed—rest when you’re tired and move when you’re restless.


When someone you know has overdosed

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Drug overdose not only affects those who have died—it also affects family members and loved ones left behind.

Around 42% of U.S. adults know someone who has died from a drug overdose. Overdose-related deaths are often sudden and cause extreme grief for the deceased’s family and friends.

Individuals struggling with drug misuse are more likely to keep their habit and whereabouts a secret from family and friends. Those left behind are often unaware their loved one was using drugs or had challenges with addiction. This can lead to feelings of distress and guilt for not noticing signs or intervening to prevent the person’s death.

How to cope with loss after someone overdoses

Death caused by an overdose, whether the person meant to or not, is a distressing situation that requires care, compassion and support for those left behind. Here are some helpful ways to cope with the trauma of losing someone to a drug overdose.

  • Think about getting therapy. Loss of a loved one to a drug overdose can have a lasting impact on you and your family. The effects may vary from person to person. Therapy can help everyone address and process emotions.
  • Check for and join in self-help activities. Practices, such as mindfulness meditation, journaling and exercise, can help with managing the stress and grief you may feel. These wellness practices are helpful tools for building emotional strength and personal development.
  • Practice self-compassion. Drug overdose is often perceived as being preventable, even though addiction and substance use disorders are recognized as mental illnesses. Remember to be patient and compassionate with yourself. The process of grieving and healing takes time.
  • Join support groups. Connecting with individuals who have experienced a similar situation may help you feel understood. You can support each other and share real-life stories that promote hopefulness and strength to get through this challenging time.
  • Find meaningful ways to honor your loved one’s memory. You can cherish and remember good times shared with your loved one by supporting a cause they were passionate about, going through photographs, remembering happier times, or keeping something of theirs close to you.

Allowing yourself time and space to process your emotions is essential for coping with grief. There may be times when you feel guilty for not recognizing your loved one’s struggles with drug misuse or being unable to help them. However, this tragedy is not your fault. While you can’t bring your loved one back, you can make a difference by being alert and noticing the signs of drug misuse and overdose in others, potentially saving another life.

Drug misuse warning signs

People who misuse drugs frequently try to hide their symptoms. Here are some warning signs:

Physical

  • Red/ bloodshot eyes or pupils larger or smaller than normal
  • Slurred speech and/or impaired coordination
  • Unusual odors from their body or clothes
  • Change in weight

Behavioral

  • Demonstrating conduct changes and mood swings (e.g., arguing, fighting or conflicts with authority)
  • Avoiding once-pleasurable activities
  • Appearing anxious or fearful for no reason
  • Struggling financially (e.g., unexplained need for and willingness to steal money)
  • Making changes in friends
  • Fluctuating sleep patterns or appetite
  • Behaving secretively
  • Neglecting home, work or school duties

What to do if you think someone has overdosed

  • Call 911 right away!
  • Check for overdose symptoms:
    • Unresponsive or appears lifeless
    • Absence of breathing or shallow/slow breaths
    • Gasping for air or snoring
    • Blue lips and fingertips
    • Clammy skin
  • Turn the person over to their side to help avoid choking.
  • Check for any visible drugs or bottles that may have caused the overdose.
  • Stay with the person until emergency responders arrive.
  • Perform chest compressions if there’s no sign of breathing or pulse.

If you have a loved one using opioids, learn more about Naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdose. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has a drug facts page and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) offers an Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit that can be downloaded.

Resources for bereaved families and loved ones

Mental health and substance misuse support:

– Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

– Website: samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Support for grieving individuals and families:

For more mental health resources, visit magellanhealthcare.com/about/bh-resources.

This article is for your information only. It is not meant to give medical advice. It should not be used to replace a visit with a provider. Magellan Health does not endorse other resources that may be mentioned here.

SOURCES:



Depression and mental health screening

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Among those who experience a mental health illness, more than half do not receive treatment.[1] The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reveals no treatment was received by:

  • 90% of the 20.4 million individuals aged 12+ who have a substance use disorder (SUD)
  • 55% of the 51.5 million individuals aged 18+ who have any mental illness (AMI)
  • 35% of the 13.1 million individuals aged 18+ who have a serious mental illness
  • 90% of the 9.5 million individuals aged 18+ who have a co-occurring SUD and AMI
  • 57% of the 3.8 million individuals aged 12-17 who have had a major depressive episode

In fact, what we’ve seen in our data is that 60% of patients who are admitted to inpatient care were first seen in a primary care setting within 6-12 months of the admission and the mental health condition was either missed or not addressed.

Through effective screening for mental health conditions on your own or through a physician or mental health professional, it is possible to identify problem areas and get help, so you can live a happier and healthier life.

Mental health self-screening tools

Magellan Healthcare provides links to reputable, free self-assessments of behavioral/mental health, substance use and more.* Once you complete an assessment, be sure to review your results and any recommendations with your doctor.

*Note these are links to outside websites that are not monitored by or affiliated with Magellan Healthcare. If your screening results indicate you are at high risk, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.

We encourage you to watch a recording of our webinar, “Depression is more than just a rough patch,” and find additional resources addressing depression at MagellanHealthcare.com/Mental-Health.

[1] https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29392/Assistant-Secretary-nsduh2019_presentation/Assistant-Secretary-nsduh2019_presentation.pdf



Stamp Out Stigma during May: Mental Health Awareness month

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to increase public awareness of mental health conditions.  We can break down the stigma by ending the silence. About 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness. It is important to be able to talk openly about it to get people the help they need. It is particularly timely this year, as we are seeing stigma associated with COVID-19, and we must do what we can to stamp out stigma in all its forms.

Understanding mental illness

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling or mood. Such conditions may affect someone’s ability to relate to others and function each day. Each person will have different experiences, even people with the same diagnosis. If you have — or think you might have — a mental illness, the first thing you must know is that you are not alone. Mental health conditions are far more common than you think, mainly because people don’t like to, or are afraid to, talk about them.

Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, income, social status, religion or race/ethnicity.

  • 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
  • 1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
  • 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
  • 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders worldwide.

The exact causes of mental illness are not fully understood. However, factors that can contribute to mental health problems include:

  • Genes and family history
  • Biological factors such as brain chemistry and brain injury
  • Serious medical conditions
  • The use of alcohol or other drugs
  • Traumatic life experiences
  • Isolation and other social factors

Mental illness is not a character flaw or something that a person can just “snap out of.” For many people, recovery — including meaningful roles in social life, school and work — is possible, especially when you start treatment early and play a strong role in your own recovery process.

Sadly, many people never seek treatment out of fear and shame. The stigma of having a mental illness or substance use disorder is two-fold: people suffer needlessly even though effective treatments are available, and they’re also at higher risk of premature death. For example, people with depression have a higher risk of heart disease and cancer. Studies also show that people with severe mental illness have a higher incidence of chronic diseases and tend to die 10 – 25 years earlier than the general population.1

 

Stamping Out Stigma

Everyone experiences the ups and downs of mental health. Many people have a mental illness or know a friend or family member who has struggled with one. To stamp out stigma and get people the help they need NAMI offers these practical tips:

  • Talk openly and honestly about your own experiences with mental illness and addiction.
  • Educate yourself and others about the facts of mental illness. Mental disorders are treatable just as physical diseases are, and people with mental illness are not to blame for their condition.
  • Recognize the signs of mental illness and seek professional help when needed.
  • Show empathy for those living with mental health and substance use disorders.
  • Be aware of your attitudes and language used to describe mental illness and people with mental illness. Jokes and name-calling are hurtful and perpetuate demeaning stereotypes.

 

Let’s work together to Stamp Out Stigma!

 

Sources:

[1] Management Information Sheet. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/mental_health

2Social Stigma associated with COVID-19. (2020, February). Retrieved April 10, 2020, from https://www.unicef.org/media/65931/file/Social%20stigma%20associated%20with%20the%20coronavirus%20disease%202019%20(COVID-19).pdf



Maintain Your Recovery During the Pandemic

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The stress of COVID-19 can present many challenges to those who are in recovery. In particular, social distancing is limiting people’s ability to get support from friends, family, and support groups.

Connection to others in recovery is a big part of the solution for many in recovery. Meetings make people feel supported and understood in ways nothing or no one else can. With much of the world under orders to quarantine or shelter in place, people in recovery can struggle to maintain a connection to their support groups. The good news is many recovery groups are scheduling virtual meetings, and that number is increasing each day.

Below are links to information about virtual 12-step and non-12-step meetings. These meetings take place in a variety of ways: over the phone, in online community posting forums, in social media groups, and through video.

Also, if you have a sponsor, peer specialist, or other special relationship, maintain that connection through text, email, phone, and FaceTime, or Skype.

12-Step Programs 

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA; aa.org): For regularly scheduled virtual meetings, visit aa-intergroup.org and click on Online Meetings.
  • Narcotics Anonymous (NA; na.org): For regularly scheduled virtual meetings, visit www.na.org/meetingsearch. In the NA Meeting Search box on the right, select “Phone” or “Web” in the Country field drop-down list.
  • Al-Anon (for families and friends of alcoholics; al-anon.org): For regularly scheduled virtual meetings, visit al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings.

 

Other Programs

Some in recovery prefer non-12 step programs. Listed below are a few organizations who provide virtual support.

  • SMART Recovery (for people with addictive problems; smartrecovery.org): To find online forums and meetings, visit www.smartrecovery.org/smart-recovery-toolbox/smart-recovery-online.
  • Women for Sobriety (for women facing issues of alcohol or drug addiction; org): For information on the online community, visit wfsonline.org.

 

For more information and tips, visit MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

 



From Compassion To Action: Not Staying Silent on the Silent Epidemic

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The following is an excerpt from the 2018 Magellan Community Impact Report.

It is estimated that 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. The opioid epidemic has become a national crisis and is continuing to grow rapidly, affecting families in every city across our nation.

No one is exempt from experiencing the effects of the opioid crisis. Magellan’s own Janet Edwards, RN, senior clinical director of Magellan’s Chronic Pain Management program, describes how close to home the opioid epidemic hit her:
It is estimated that 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. The opioid epidemic has become a national crisis and is continuing to grow rapidly, affecting families in every city across our nation.

“My daughter, Nikki, was 26 when she  died of a Fentanyl overdose. As the mother of a six-year-old and a critical care nurse working in a respected healthcare organization, Nikki was the picture of success. But to handle the pressures of nursing school, a full-time job, and life as a single mother, Nikki sought prescriptions for Adderall and Xanax from multiple physicians. Over time, her addiction to these substances gave way to a new addiction: Fentanyl, which she began to confiscate from the critical care unit where she worked.
Like many others, Nikki didn’t show any signs of addiction. But five years after her son was born, Nikki sat at my kitchen table and admitted that she was addicted to heroin. She was afraid to get help, because she did not want to lose her job or the respect of her peers. She insisted she could recover on her own. Even though I, as a nurse, knew the odds were not good that Nikki could manage her recovery alone, I respected my daughter’s wishes. It’s a decision I will forever regret. Eleven months later, Nikki died of an accidental overdose in front of her son and a friend.”

Following the loss of her daughter, Janet has openly shared Nikki’s story, becoming an advocate for helping prevent opioid addiction. Further, Janet has taken on clinical leadership of Magellan’s Chronic Pain program, which offers alternatives to opioid use.

Meeting opioid users where they are

No matter where or how someone encounters opioids or where they may be in the cycle of use, dependence or addiction, Magellan offers many other ways to address the opioid problem. Our behavioral health products forged from decades of serving the public, our specialty healthcare solutions supported by clinical excellence, and our customized pharmacy programs are ready to answer the call as organizations and individuals look for answers.
Hosting a forum for sharing successes  and discussing solutions

In September 2018, Magellan brought together  national and local leaders in Pennsylvania to  exchange ideas, share successes and  discuss solutions to the opioid  epidemic in our communities.  The free, second-annual  conference featured  keynote addresses and  workshops and highlighted  the proactive efforts of local  organizations. Participants included  national and state officials, county human  services and drug and alcohol leaders, legislative  staff, providers and community stakeholders.

Not staying silent on the silent epidemic

Magellan is actively helping individuals and families on their path to recovery. Further, to educate the public, doctors and other healthcare providers, we offer resources on our Magellan Health OPIOID INSIGHTS microsite. The site includes links to blog posts, videos, resources and published articles.

Hosting a forum for sharing successes and discussing solutions

InSeptember2018, Magellan brought together national and local leaders in Pennsylvania to exchange ideas, share successes and discuss solutions around the challenge we face together in addressing the opioid epidemic in our communities. The second-annual conference featured keynote addresses and workshops and highlighted the proactive efforts of local organizations. Participants at the free one-and-a-half-day conference included national and state officials, county human services and drug and alcohol leaders, legislative staff, providers and community stakeholders.



How to say no to drugs and alcohol

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Alcohol is part of many traditions and is often served at parties and other functions. And although many drugs are illegal or legal only with a prescription, people may offer them to you.

If you’re in a situation where someone is offering you alcohol or drugs, try this:

  • Look the person in the eye. In a firm voice, tell the person you don’t want to drink or use Say something like:
    • “No, I’m sorry, but I don’t use….”
    • “No, I’m really trying to stay “
    • “No, I’m trying to cut “
  • Give a reason why you don’t want to drink or use Say something like:
    • “It’s bad for my “
    • “I could lose my housing.”
    • “I have trouble when I use….”
  • Ask the person not to ask you to drink or use drugs Say something like:
    • “Hey, I said I’m trying to stay clean, so don’t ask me again.”
    • “I told you I don’t use anymore, so stop asking.”
    • “I’m trying really hard to stay clean, so please don’t ask me to use anymore.”
  • If you notice that someone does have drugs, leave the area.

Help is available. For additional information, visit MagellanHealth.com/MYMH

Source: Healthwise



Opioid Addiction: 7 FAQs

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There is no mistaking that opioid addiction is a major social issue in the United States but there is also a lot of confusion and misinformation. We’ve included seven frequently asked questions about opioid addiction below.

1) What are opioid medications?

Opioids are medications prescribed to relieve physical pain. Opioid medications bind to the areas of the brain that control pain and emotions, driving up levels of the feel-good hormone dopamine in the brain’s reward areas, and producing intense feelings of euphoria. As the brain becomes used to the feelings, it often takes more and more of the drug to produce the same levels of pain relief and well-being, leading to dangerously high tolerance levels, dependence, and later, addiction.

2) What are the names of some common opioid medications?

  • Codeine
  • Fentanyl citrate
  • Hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin)
  • Hydromorphone (e.g., Dilaudid)
  • Mepedridine (e.g., Demerol)
  • Morphine (e.g., Kadian, Avinza)
  • Oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet)

3) What are opioid medications used for?

Opioids are used to treat moderate to severe pain that may not respond well to other pain medications. They provide relief from an array of symptoms associated with respiratory illnesses, severe coughing, injuries, trauma, surgery, dental procedures and chronic pain.

4) How do people become addicted?

Taken as prescribed, opioids can be used to manage pain safely and effectively. However, since these drugs also affect the brain regions involved in reward, some people experience a euphoric response. Those who abuse opioids may seek to intensify their experience by taking the drug in ways other than those prescribed.

5) What is the difference between opioid dependence and opioid addiction?

Physical dependence on opioids means that the body relies on an external source of opioids to prevent withdrawal. Normally the body is able to produce enough endogenous opioids (i.e., endorphins) to prevent withdrawal. However, as tolerance increases over time, eventually the body’s ability to maintain its equilibrium is exceeded and the body becomes dependent on the outside source of opioids. Physical dependence is predictable, easily managed with medication, and is ultimately resolved with a slow tapering off of the opioid.

Unlike physical dependence, addiction is a change in behavior caused by biochemical changes to the brain after continued substance abuse and it is classified as a disease. Addiction takes the form of uncontrollable cravings, the inability to control drug use, compulsive drug use, and continued use despite doing harm to oneself or others. Strong cravings are common to all addictions. These cravings are rooted in altered brain biology. Recovery is the process of reversing, to the extent possible, these brain changes. This is accomplished through therapy and replacing the addictive behaviors with healthy alternative behaviors.

6)  What are the signs of an opioid addiction?

  • Constricted pupils
  • Nausea
  • Itchiness
  • Drowsiness
  • Reduced social interaction
  • Anxiety
  • Poor memory and concentration
  • Slowed breathing, movement and reactions
  • Mood swings
  • Apathy and depression

7) What does treatment involve?

Opioid addiction is a chronic disease, like diabetes, asthma and hypertension. While it can’t be cured, it can be treated to help the person regain a healthy, productive life. Treatment programs typically include detoxification, medication for opioid withdrawal, counseling and the support of family and friends. The goal of the treatment program is to help the person get through the withdrawal successfully and learn new coping skills to address addictive behaviors over the long-term.

Additional Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC website features a section devoted to opioid information, data and FAQs. In addition, there are guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain to help ensure patients have access to safer treatment options.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

NIDA provides information odrugabuse.govn commonly abused drugs, the latest science and treatments, trends and statistics to improve individual and public health.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine

A society of physicians aimed at increasing access to addiction treatment. They offer a nationwide directory of addiction medicine professionals.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or 1-800-662-HELP

Find locations for residential, outpatient, and hospital inpatient treatment programs for drug addiction and alcoholism throughout the country.

The Partnership at Drugfree.org or 1-855-378-4373

Provides information and resources on teen drug use and addiction for parents to help them prevent and intervene in their children’s drug use or find treatment for a child who needs it.

Help is available. For additional information, visit MagellanHealth.com/MYMH

Read more about opioid addiction here.