Contributed by Michael Carson V.P. & Recovery at MY House and Chair of Mat-Su Opioid Task Force
“We are in this for the long haul!” Sam Quinones, the author of “Dreamland”, made this statement at a recent Congressional hearing. First, “Dreamland” is a book Mr. Quinones authored, giving the backdrop story of how we ended where we are now, regarding the opioid epidemic. The subtitle of the book is, “The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic”. Second, Sam uses the phrase, “In this”, referring to this epidemic, unfortunately, continuing. And, he adds that there is not a silver bullet (single solution) or bullet train. The last term, “bullet train”, meaning we are not going to reach the destination of resolving this epidemic in the very near future. Again, we are in this for the long haul.
As you read this first paragraph, you noticed the terms opiate and opioid both being used. Mr. Quinones describes in his book the intersection or collision of prescription (opioid) drugs and black tar heroin (opiate). Sometimes those two terms are used interchangeably. Opioids are synthetic drugs (prescription) and opiates are drugs produced directly from the poppy plant (heroin). Now, the term, opioids, is being used to describe both prescription drugs and heroin.
Next, the difficulty in resolving this opioid epidemic is due to all the facets and multi-layered aspects of pain management, prescribing, diversion, tolerance, addiction, detox, treatment and recovery from opioids. And, I will personally, add the “stigma” surrounding opioid addiction. Specifically, the stigma that suffering addicts are “choosing” that behavior, rather than understanding and accepting the concept of addiction being a brain disease.
The most recent brain imaging studies have revealed an underlying disruption to brain regions that are important to normal processes of motivation, reward and especially in the area of inhibitory control. (Dr. Nora Volkow, MD) The addiction has resulted in actually changing brain tissue. Addiction assigns supreme continued drug use over family, career, health and in short, everything else. And this association of abnormal behavior is the result of dysfunction of brain tissue. Just like heart disease creates cardiac insufficiencies or diabetes, which impairs the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin levels.
If one can step back a moment and reflect on an addict’s behavior, one would have to conclude that they are suffering and sick individuals. Let’s consider those addicts who have been revived from an overdose of heroin with Narcan, but go back to using. And, let’s say they have been revived a number of times. How could a person do that? They are truly in the grips of a disease that is cunning, baffling, powerful and deadly!
The stigma of opioid addiction is real and most unfortunately, handicapping our ability to allow understanding, compassion and most importantly, healing. We would never shame a person that is still smoking, overweight or even taking medication for whatever reason. And yes, a smoker, someone overweight or taking medication does not engage in such a degree of self-destructive behavior as an addict would. But again, the suffering addict is a slave to the beast of opioids. Yet, they keep slamming dope, which could very well end with separation from family, loved ones, jail time or most unfortunately, their death.
Some cannot understand why we would want to continually revive suffering addicts with Narcan. The last time I checked, “A dead addict cannot get into recovery!” But, we have to remember that Narcan is not detox or treatment. As Dr. Jay Butler has stated, “Narcan is like a tourniquet. It will save a life, then medical and substance abuse counseling attention is required.” As it takes the average smoker 30 times to stop, it could take a suffering addict a number of times being revived to realize, “Enough is enough!” And most importantly, that suffering addict is someone’s child, brother, sister or even parent.
Besides providing the public with the most current and evidence-based research regarding brain images, the Mat-Su Opioid Task Force believes to break down the stigma. Community members have to have a safe place to share their stories. Some members are more outspoken, others softly-spoken and still others have not crossed over the threshold into a venue to speak freely. We completely understand all positions, as we understand there are many pathways to break down stigma and there is a time and place for those stories. Just know, we will be there for you when you’ve decided the time is right. And, we are that right place for you without judgement, but understanding and support.
We meet the first Tuesday of the month (4/3, 5/1…) from 4pm to 6pm at Wasilla High School in the theater. All are welcome. In fact, we welcome all different opinions and perspectives regarding opioid addiction. We know that every community member has strong feelings about this epidemic, and we respect each and every one of those feelings. Our goal is to find common ground, put forth actions and continue reaching out to those with different ideas. We must come together as a community to ultimately find solutions to end opioid use and abuse.
Please consider joining the good fight to seek solutions for the suffering addict and their families. And let’s work to prevent youth from opioid addiction. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call MY House at 373-HELP (373-4357). Thank you.
#Absolute Pursuit (to knock down the opioid epidemic)