Our top five addiction news stories for the week of July 29th, 2016.
1. Demi Lovato Talks About Stigma of Addiction and Mental Health at DNC
Actress, singer, and performer, Demi Lovato gave an impressive speech in support of the Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Monday evening. While it’s not the first time she has spoken openly about her struggle with drug and alcohol addiction as well as her lifelong battle with bipolar disorder, it was a cold hard reminder of the stigma that is so often associated with both the disease of addiction and mental health alike.
“Untreated mental illness can lead to devastating consequences including suicide, substance abuse, and long-term medical issues,” she said. “We can do better. Every one of us can make a difference by getting educated on this epidemic and its frightening statistics and by breaking the stigma.”
2. Ask a Former Drunk: How Do You Start Sobriety?
The final installment of “Ask a Former Drunk” by writer and journalist, Sarah Hepola was posted on the popular gossip site, Jezebel. We were surprised to see It went viral with over 2000 likes on Facebook and 500 comments that jumpstarted a riveting discussion between advocates of the AA program and those who felt it had “failed” them.
3. Study shows promise of non-drug pain management
80% of new heroin users report having started their road of addiction with prescription drug abuse. However, a new study shows the potential for low-cost, non-drug focused pain management that could help the nation’s addiction epidemic to prescription drugs like Oxycodone. Patients are treated with behavioral therapy and social support in order to help them manage their pain.
4. Teens At Greater Risk For Addiction As Adults When Abusing Drugs At Younger Age
A new study is urging parents of teenagers to clean out their medicine cabinets and get rid of old prescription drugs. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that kids who abuse prescription opioids, that aren’t prescribed to them medically, are at greater risk later in life of developing an addiction.
5. One Hundred and Two Years Later: The U.S. path to the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act
The Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act (CARA) was passed this month by the Senate with bi-partisan support. The bill is aimed at increasing resources and options for addiction and addiction recovery. This is a huge deal for the addiction industry, for those struggling with addiction, as well as for the addiction epidemic since there is such an imbalance of those who need addiction treatment resources and the option that are available.