According to the CDC, overdose deaths among Black men increased more than 200% since 2015 and more than 144% among Black women. Even more troubling, a study by the Yale University Department of Psychiatry found that 90% of African American people in the U.S. who need addiction treatment do not get it.
A powerful sedative for large animals is being detected in a growing number of human overdose deaths. The drug is spreading across the country. It’s called Xylazine. On the street, it’s known as “Tranq,” “K,” “Sleep Cut,” or even “Zombie Drug.” The DEA said it’s only authorized for use in the U.S. by veterinarians.
Fentanyl is deadly on its own and now it’s being laced with more dangerous drug used as an animal tranquilizer.
Brightview Health of Madisonville and Henderson have been celebrating Patient Appreciation week by providing active patients with a self-serve coffee and hot cocoa bar and free hygiene bags as a way for them to warm up with a drink and to ‘feel the love’ from their Brightview family.
Addiction is a topic that affects everyone. What was once regarded as poor judgement or a moral failure, research has lead experts to now say there are four levels of addiction: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual and each one plays a role in both falling into or getting out of addiction. As well, the term addiction is no longer limited to the use of illegal, mind-altering chemicals. There are even some addictions that are socially acceptable.
BrightView’s Benton addiction treatment center is kicking off the new year by celebrating one year of providing outpatient addiction treatment in Marshall County.
Pear Therapeutics, Inc., announced today the expansion of its collaboration with BrightView Health, an addiction treatment provider that offers evidence-based, outpatient addiction treatment programs. This initiative is designed to provide eligible adults suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) access to reSET® and reSET-O®.
Community health organizations and law enforcement have been coming together in recent months in an effort to help prevent these deaths. A key part of that effort is increased access and availability of naloxone, a medication that can reverse overdoses involving heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids when given in time.
The impact of substance and alcohol use disorders on Black Americans is a complex issue. Research shows long-held stereotypes about race and addiction are impacting access to treatment and patient outcomes. It is critical for the behavioral health community to discuss these differences.
“It’s just a really good place,” Patient Donald Barger said at the celebration, explaining that the combination of counseling, medication, and case management all work together to help patients. He encouraged others considering seeking help to do so, and to be completely honest with staff members, “and they will help you.”
