The Opioid Epidemic

       The Opioid Epidemic

The opioid epidemic is a serious public health crisis in the United States. Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which can lead to a feeling of euphoria and pain relief. Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that can be difficult to treat. People who are addicted to opioids may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug, and they may also develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning that they need to take more and more of it to achieve the same effect. The opioid epidemic has been caused by a number of factors, including the overprescription of opioid painkillers, the availability of heroin, and the use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The overprescription of opioid painkillers began in the early 1990s when pharmaceutical companies marketed these drugs as safe and effective for the treatment of chronic pain. As a result, the number of opioid prescriptions in the United States increased dramatically.

Heroin is a cheaper and more potent alternative to prescription painkillers. It is also more easily available, as it can be produced illegally. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are even more potent than heroin. They are often added to heroin or other drugs without the user's knowledge, which can lead to overdose and death. The opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on the United States. In 2017, there were over 70,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States, and the majority of these deaths involved opioids.

There are a number of things that can be done to address the opioid epidemic. 

• Reducing the overprescription of opioid painkillers
• Increasing access to treatment for opioid addiction
• Educating the public about the dangers of opioids
• Cracking down on the illegal sale of opioids

The opioid epidemic is a complex problem, but it is one that can be solved. By working together, we can save lives and prevent future tragedies.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, there is help available. Please reach out to a treatment provider or call the National Drug Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Resources

Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2019). Foundations of Addictions Counseling (4th ed.).Pearson Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135169858

 

The History of Drug Laws in the United States

 The History of Drug Laws in the United States

The history of drug laws in the United States is a long and complex one, dating back to the late 19th century. During this time, there was growing concern about the use of drugs in patent medicines and products sold over the counter. Cocaine, opium, and morphine were common ingredients in many potions, and even Coca-Cola once contained cocaine.

In an effort to control the use of these drugs, the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 was passed. This act required labels on drugs contained in products, including opium, morphine, and heroin. The Harrison Act of 1914 went even further, taxing opium and coca products with registration and record-keeping requirements.

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 was the next major piece of legislation to address drug use. This act classified drugs according to their medical use, the potential for abuse, and the possibility of creating dependence. According to Uhl (2023), The five classes of drugs are:

1. Schedule I: Drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse
2. Schedule II: Drugs with a high potential for abuse but also a legitimate medical use
3. Schedule III: Drugs with moderate potential for abuse and a legitimate medical use
4. Schedule IV: Drugs with low potential for abuse and a legitimate medical use
5. Schedule V: Drugs with very low potential for abuse and a legitimate medical use

Since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act, there have been a number of changes to the drug laws in the United States. For example, the Controlled Substances Analogue Enforcement Act of 1986 made it illegal to manufacture or distribute drugs that are similar to controlled substances. And the Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2010 increased penalties for drug trafficking and abuse.

The current drug laws in the United States are a complex and controversial issue. There is no easy answer to the question of how to best address drug use and addiction. However, it is important to have a clear understanding of the history of drug laws in order to make informed decisions about the future.

The War on Drugs

In the 1970s, the United States government launched a War on Drugs. This was a major initiative to reduce the illegal drug trade and drug use. The War on Drugs has been criticized for its high costs and its focus on incarceration rather than prevention and treatment.

One of the most controversial aspects of the War on Drugs has been the use of mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses. These sentences have resulted in the incarceration of large numbers of people, many of whom are nonviolent offenders (Foundations of Addictions Counseling, n.d.).

The War on Drugs has also been criticized for its disproportionate impact on minority communities. African Americans and Latinos are more likely to be arrested and convicted of drug offenses than white Americans (Foundations of Addictions Counseling, n.d.).

The Future of Drug Laws

The future of drug laws in the United States is uncertain. There is growing support for decriminalizing or legalizing certain drugs, such as marijuana. However, there is also opposition to these changes, and it is unclear whether they will be implemented.

The debate over drug laws is likely to continue for many years to come. It is a complex issue with no easy answers. However, it is important to have a clear understanding of the history of drug laws in order to make informed decisions about the future.

In addition to the information above, here are some other things to consider when thinking about the future of drug laws in the United States:

• The rise of the opioid crisis
• The increasing availability of synthetic drugs
• The role of technology in drug trafficking
• The need for more effective prevention and treatment programs

The future of drug laws in the United States is uncertain, but it is clear that this is an issue that will continue to be debated for many years to come.

Resources

 Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2019). Foundations of Addictions Counseling (4th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135169858

Foundations of Addictions Counseling 1292041943, 1269374508, 9781292041940, 9781269374507. (n.d.). Dokumen.pub. Retrieved August 17, 2023, from   https://dokumen.pub/foundations-addictions-counseling-  

Uhl, G. R. (2023). Selecting the appropriate hurdles and endpoints for pentilludin, a novel antiaddiction pharmacotherapeutic targeting the receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatase D. Frontiers in                 Psychiatry, 14, 1031283. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1031283 

 The History of Addiction Counseling in the United States

Addiction counseling is a relatively new field of specialization within the counseling profession. However, the history of addiction counseling in the United States can be traced back to the early 1800s, when the first temperance movements began to emerge. These movements were aimed at reducing the consumption of alcohol, and they often involved moral persuasion and religious conversion.

In the late 1800s, the first inebriate homes were established. These were residential treatment facilities for people who were struggling with alcohol addiction. The first inebriate homes were modeled after asylums, and they often used aversive conditioning techniques to treat addiction.

In the early 1900s, the focus of addiction treatment began to shift towards a more holistic approach. This approach emphasized the importance of addressing the psychological and social factors that contribute to addiction.

In the 1930s, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded. AA is a self-help group for people who are struggling with alcohol addiction. AA is based on the 12-step model of recovery, and it has been credited with helping millions of people achieve sobriety.

In the 1960s, the field of addiction counseling began to professionalize. The first professional organizations for addiction counselors were established, and the first graduate programs in addiction counseling were developed.

Today, addiction counseling is a well-established profession. Addiction counselors work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and prisons. They provide a variety of services, including individual and group counseling, family therapy, and case management.

The role of addiction counselors is essential in the fight against addiction. They provide hope and support to people who are struggling with addiction, and they help them to achieve sobriety and recovery.

The Role of Professional Counselors in Addiction Treatment

Professional counselors play a vital role in addiction treatment. They provide a variety of services, including:

• Individual and group counseling
• Family therapy
• Case management
• Substance abuse education
• Relapse prevention planning

Counselors help clients to understand their addiction, develop coping skills, and build a strong support network. They also work with clients to address the underlying issues that may have contributed to their addiction, such as mental health problems, trauma, or stress.

The Importance of Professional Licensure

In order to practice addiction counseling, it is important to be licensed by a state

or national board. This ensures that counselors have met certain educational and training requirements. It also ensures that counselors are held accountable for their professional conduct.

If you are struggling with addiction, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional counselor. A counselor can help you to understand your addiction, develop coping skills, and build a strong support network. With the right help, you can achieve sobriety and recovery.

Resources for Addiction Treatment

• The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM): 1-888-637-2726

References

 Capuzzi, David, and Mark D. Stauffer. Foundations of Addictions Counseling. Available     from: VitalSource Bookshelf, (4th Edition). Pearson Education (US), 2019.

Neurobiological Components of Addiction: Understanding the Reward Pathway

 Neurobiological Components of

Addiction: Understanding the Reward

Pathway

Reward pathway

The basic concept in the neurobiology of addiction is the reward pathway which comprises the areas of the brain most involved in addiction. 

The limbic system

Home of the areas of the brain thought to make up the reward pathway. When stimuli activate particular areas of the brain then pleasurable sensations are produced. Neurotransmitters play critical roles in transmitting information between neurons through synapses. A synapse measures twenty to fifty nanometers.

Dopamine

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter involved in reward and euphoria experiences. Dopamine is made by very few brain cells and acts mainly within a subset of brain regions. Dopamine seems to have a disproportionately large impact on brain function.

Cocaine

Cocaine interferes with the normal action of dopamine by blocking the removal or reuptake of dopamine which results in an increase of dopamine in the neurons, resulting in overstimulation of receiving neurons called neuroreceptors. This is experienced by the user as a pleasurable euphoria. An addict seeks to continue experiencing this sensation which results from an abundance of powerful neurotransmitters including dopamine. In the brain, this dopaminergic transmission and reward pathway is a primary feature of addiction.

The areas of the brain involved in the reward pathway

VTA

The VTA has emerged as a new research interest in understanding how addiction and drugs affect the brain. The stress of VTA may be a potential factor in relapse. Advanced research will unlock more keys to understanding the VTA and GABA's role in inhibiting or slowing the dopaminergic surge.

References 

     Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2019). Foundations of Addictions Counseling (4th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135169858 

FACTS ABOUT FENTANYL

 Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine 

• There are two types of fentanyl:  
• pharmaceutical fentanyl 
• Illegally made fentanyl 

Illegally made fentanyl (IMF) is available on the drug market in different forms, including liquid and powder. 

In its liquid form, IMF can be found in nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies. 

STREET NAMES FOR IMF INCLUDE: 

• Apache 
• Dance Fever 
• Friend 
• Goodfellas 
• Jackpot 
• Murder 8 
• Tango & Cash  

Fentanyl and Overdose 

• fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths.
• Even in small doses, it can be deadly.  

Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl 

• Drugs may contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you wouldn’t be able to see it, taste it, or smell it. 
•  It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl unless you test your drugs with fentanyl test strips. 
• Test strips are inexpensive and typically give results within 5 minutes, which can be the difference between life or death.  
• Even if the test is negative, take caution as test strips might not detect more potent fentanyl-like drugs, like carfentanil 

References 

Fentanyl Facts. (2021, November 10). Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/ 

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