Links to other resources: Intensive Outpatient, Alcohol Treatment in Florida
In recent years, the United States has seen a dramatic surge in both legal and illicit substance abuse, sending shockwaves through public health sectors and underscoring the need for innovative and effective treatments. The alarming rise in overdose fatalities and the increased potency of available substances are pressing issues that health professionals are urgently addressing. In 2022, over 109,000 people died from drug overdoses—a 54% increase since 2019, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reports that roughly two-thirds of these deaths were linked to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 100 times more powerful than heroin. These sobering statistics reflect the complexities of today’s substance landscape, prompting researchers and clinicians to look beyond conventional treatments in search of new, effective approaches. (According to CDC and National Center for Health Statistics)
Today we will go over some findings and ideas presented by the American Psychological Association in 2024, including ideas for new alliances to combat addiction, and some new medicines available in that fight. If you or a loved one needs the best drug and alcohol rehab in Florida, visit us today or call to speak to an intake counselor. Florida Springs operates the best alcohol rehab in Florida and one of the best drug detox programs in Panama City Florida.
Forging New Alliances for Rehabilitation
Despite the daunting trends, the article lays out why psychologists and researchers are optimistic about innovative approaches aimed at addressing addiction. Many of these strategies focus on providing comprehensive support to individuals struggling with substance use and improving their access to treatment. For example, Dr. Rosemarie Martin of Brown University emphasizes the need for societal change, arguing that substance use treatment is a matter of social justice. Martin leads several initiatives under the National Institute of Health’s Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative, which includes dozens of new projects dedicated to combating addiction.
Martin’s recent work as part of the HEAL Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network highlights the importance of collaboration. In Rhode Island, she established a program where probation officers work with community treatment providers to bridge gaps in care. Often, individuals on probation do not receive substance use treatment due to privacy concerns or the perception that probation officers might misuse such information. The program seeks to build trust and communication, which is key. Probation officers can offer more tailored support, helping clients access the resources they need. Similar collaborative programs are also underway in Philadelphia and North Carolina, setting a precedent for other regions to adopt this proactive approach. Here in Panama City, the best drug and alcohol rehab in Bay County Florida, Florida Springs, is similarly seeking connections in community hospitals and with community corrections workers to implement last alliances for the betterment of patients in our area.
Engaging Family Members in Rehab
Family involvement in treatment has proven to be an invaluable resource in overcoming addiction, but it is often underutilized due to the stigma and shame associated with substance use. Dr. Marc Fishman, a psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins University, developed the Youth Opioid Recovery Support (YORS) program, which provides family members with training on how to support their loved ones through the process. In the YORS program, family members learn to provide practical assistance, including ensuring that patients receive their medications as prescribed.
This support network enhances patients’ motivation and engagement in their treatment plans. The program’s results are promising: a pilot study showed that nearly 50% of YORS participants avoided relapse after six months, compared to just 5% of patients who received traditional treatment. This evidence suggests that family involvement, along with assertive outreach strategies like frequent check-ins and medication delivery, could play a pivotal role in future treatment models.
Pharmaceutical Innovations in Treatment
The search for effective medications to treat addiction has made significant strides, especially for substances like cannabis and opioids. For example, the American Psychological Association piece highlighted Dr. Margaret Haney at Columbia University, who has been testing a new drug that inhibits the effects of THC in cannabis. This unique approach prevents the typical withdrawal symptoms associated with cannabis use disorder, without the severe side effects of earlier medications. In clinical trials, participants using the drug reported a reduced urge to consume cannabis, making it a groundbreaking option for individuals who wish to cut back on usage without experiencing the high from THC.
Similarly, the development of Suvorexant—a drug that reduces insomnia without inducing a “high”—has proven beneficial for people recovering from opioid use disorder (OUD). Dr. Andrew Huhn of Johns Hopkins University’s Behavioral Pharmacology department highlights that suvorexant addresses a key barrier in OUD rehabilitation: lingering insomnia. By alleviating insomnia and other withdrawal symptoms without risk of abuse, suvorexant offers OUD patients a much-needed tool to support their long-term efforts. Most people who have been through opioid detox, even at the best drug and alcohol detox programs, will understand how serious and long lasting the insomnia from quitting opioids can be. Eliminating insomnia from quitting heroin, fentanyl, and opioid pills could be a complete game changer in the field of medical detox for opioid addiction in Florida.
Incentivizing Positive Behavior
Contingency management, a strategy that rewards patients for sobriety, is another promising method gaining traction in addiction remedy. This method provides financial incentives, like gift cards, to individuals who consistently test negative for drug use. Although effective, the approach has faced resistance due to regulatory concerns, particularly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which has been cautious about funding such programs.
However, change is on the horizon. California became the first state to receive a CMS waiver in 2021, allowing contingency management to be used for stimulant rehabilitation. Washington State followed suit in 2023, marking a positive step toward widespread adoption. Dr. Michael McDonell of Washington State University has long advocated for this method and notes that recent state approvals reflect a growing recognition of its effectiveness in treating addiction.
Conclusion
The current substance use crisis in the United States has created an urgent need for novel and multifaceted approaches to treatment, including new alliances. Through a combination of pharmacological innovation, family involvement, behavioral support, and public policy shifts, psychologists and healthcare providers are forging new pathways to help those struggling with addiction. By addressing the social, psychological, and biological facets of substance use, the work of today’s researchers and clinicians offers hope for reversing these distressing trends and building a happier and healthier future.
By Tim Cannon
Sources of information
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/01/trends-psychologists-tackling-substance-use
2024 Trends Report from the American Psychological Association
