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South Carolina gets $6.5 million to help combat opioid addiction and overdoses

COLUMBIA —The fight against prescription pill and heroin addiction in the Palmetto State just got a financial boost from the federal government. The South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services received $6.5 million in federal grants last week to help treat and prevent opioid addiction, which led to roughly 565 confirmed overdose deaths in the state in 2015. The new funding comes from the 21st Century Cures Act, which was passed by a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers last year and is meant to increase funding for medical research. Financial Assistance in Care As part of that package, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama, members of Congress allocated $1 billion in grant funding to help states deal with a prescription pill and heroin epidemic that has impacted large parts of the country and killed tens of thousands of people. Sara Goldsby, the acting director of DAODAS, said the state will spend the $6.5 million on a new advertising campaign about the dangers of opioid addiction and treatment programs.

The new funding comes from the 21st Century Cures Act, which was passed by a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers last year and is meant to increase funding for medical research.

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The money will also be used, she said, to increase counseling services, boost overdose prevention, provide medication- assisted treatment for people who can’t afford it and expand the state’s prescription monitoring database. All doctors in the state will have to check with the database before prescribing the highly-addictive medication. “This money helps us to pilot new programs that we can consider for best practices for South Carolina,” Goldsby said. “This funding is important for innovation.” The federal funding follows recent moves by some South Carolina lawmakers to set up a new committee to study the ongoing epidemic. They have proposed spending $1.5 million to help addiction treatment efforts. It also comes at a time when President Donald Trump, along with former South Carolina congressman and new White House budget director Mick Mulvaney, have proposed slashing 95 percent of the budget for the Office of National Drug Control Policy — one of the federal agencies seeking to curtail the ongoing epidemic.

The federal funding follows recent moves by some South Carolina lawmakers to set up a new committee to study the ongoing epidemic.

When it comes to “altered reality” and the use of drugs and alcohol, people often think of drug-induced hallucinations or the delirium tremens of alcohol withdrawal. What you might not immediately think of is far more insidious: the slow erosion of morality and mental health as a result of years of drug or alcohol abuse. Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) addresses the root of such altered reality: the underlying shifts in viewpoint that made stealing, or prostitution, or self-harm, or so many other “or”s okay while using and addicted. By addressing and uprooting these viewpoints, addiction rehabilitation therapy can help restore an individual’s morality, judgment, and self-worth.

HowMoral Reconation Therapy is Helping Addicts Deal with Past Trauma

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Symptoms of Trauma Addiction and trauma go hand and hand. Though not every addict dealt with childhood trauma, it is certainly not unusual. Studies have shown a link between childhood trauma and substance use disorders later and life. Beyond the realities of past trauma, the earlier the onset of substance abuse, the greater degree of alteration to physical body structures, including brain development. While it used to be a commonly held belief that the brain was fully developed by adulthood, we now know that the brain is still developing until at least age 25. Use of drugs and alcohol in a developing body and brain, combined with other unhealthy decisions and relationships can lead to further trauma. Symptoms of trauma include: • Withdrawal from others • Feeling sad, hopeless, disconnected or numb • Anger, irritability or mood swings • Anxiety or fear, edginess or agitation • Guilt, shame, and self-blame • Physical symptoms such as aches and pains, insomnia, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating Addicts may regularly experience these and other symptoms of trauma. For others, these symptoms occur only at times of upset or stress, such as when going through withdrawal. Beyond the realities of past trauma, the earlier the onset of substance abuse, the greater degree of alteration to physical body structures, including brain development.

Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) So what, exactly is MRT, and how does it assist addicts in recovery to deal with past trauma? Well, conation is a word from psychology meaning, “The part of mental life having to do with striving, including desire and volition.” That means an individual’s drive, purpose, and plans. Addiction hijacks one’s life plans, takes over and redirects life, but also morality. The slippery slope of bad choices and bad experiences lead to an adjusted view of right and wrong and poor judgment. Anyone who has struggled with addiction, or been close to a friend or family member with an addiction, knows what that judgment can look like when it’s been skewed for years: a non-stop roller-coaster ride of bad choices with even worse outcomes. The “re-“ in front of “conation” means “again.” So the aim of reconation is to again restore an individual’s goals and desires. MRT works to restore the moral striving that person had, before addiction hijacked judgment. In conjunction with other components of a drug addiction therapy, MRT helps addicts make better choices going forward in recovery, including choices which help address and diminish the past and potential trauma.

Boom, Bust, and Drugs Study says economic downturn leads to increase in substance use disorders When the economy tanks, drug abuse goes up.That’s the finding of a new study which shows the state of the economy is closely linked with substance abuse disorder rates for a variety of substances. The study, conducted by researchers from Vanderbilt University, the University of Colorado and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), found the use of substances like ecstasy becomes more prevalent during economic downturns. Researchers also found that other drugs like LSD and PCP see increased use only when the economy is strong. But for overall substance use disorders, the findings were clear.

“Problematic use (i.e., substance use disorder) goes up significantly when the economy weakens,” says Christopher Carpenter, one of the lead researchers. “Our results are more limited in telling us why this happens.” Researchers say it’s possible that people turn to substance use as a means of coping with a job loss or other major life changes caused by economic pressures, but their particular study did not pinpoint an exact cause and effect. Not all drugs are equal The study showed that a downward shift in the economy has the biggest impact on painkillers and hallucinogens. Rates of substance abuse disorders were significantly higher for those two categories than any other class of drug.

Researchers also found the change in disorder rates was highest for white adult males, a group which was one of the hardest hit during the Great Recession.They say more research is needed to determine exactly how the economy and drug use are related, but they say the study highlighted some key groups for prevention and treatment workers to target during future economic downturns.

“Problematic use (i.e., substance use disorder) goes up significantly when the economy weakens.” - Christopher Carpenter, Vanderbilt University

Slippery slope Despite some lingering questions, researchers were able to show the significance of the economy’s role in problematic substance use.The study showed that even a small change in the unemployment rate can have a tremendous impact on the risks for substance abuse disorders. “For each percentage point increase in the state unemployment rate, these estimates represent about a 6 percent increase in the likelihood of having a disorder involving analgesics and an 11 percent increase in the likelihood of having a disorder involving hallucinogens,” the authors write. Previous studies have focused on the economy’s link to marijuana and alcohol, with many looking at young people in particular.This study is one of the first to highlight illicit drugs, which given the current opioid epidemic, holds important lessons for those working to curb problematic drug use.

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When it’s needed most The study bears significant weight for treatment facilities and public policy makers in particular. During economic downturns, government agencies typically look to cut spending on treatment programs as a way to save money, something researchers say may be more costly in the end. “Our results suggest that this is unwise,” Carpenter says. “Such spending would likely be particularly effective during downturns since rates of substance use disorders are increasing when unemployment rates rise, at least for disorders involving prescription painkillers and hallucinogens.”

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“Spending would likely be particularly effective during downturns since rates of substance use disorders are increasing when unemployment rates rise.”

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Simple Affordable Solutions for Change Lexington Richland Center for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Programs is an Outpatient treatment and educational facility treating substance abuse and behavioral problems. LRC uses a simple and affordable approach to solve problems being experienced by our clients. Problem solving is achieved by educating clients on the acceptance of problems and solving them with the establishing of a plan for change that is both easy to understand and follow.

1109 Belleview St #101, Columbia, SC 29201

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LRC uses a simple & affordable approach to solve problems being experienced by our clients. Problem solving is achieved by educating clients on the acceptance of problems and solving them with the establishing of a plan for change that is both easy to understand and follow.

Drug Relapse Prevention Addiction can be an ongoing struggle for many people, even after they complete an intensive treatment program; periodic relapses are not uncommon. Relapse-prevention planning is crucial, then, for maintaining long-term sobriety. In its simplest terms, relapse occurs when you have abstained from using drugs for any period of time and then use again. This use may be a brief, one-time lapse in abstinence, which is often called a slip, or it may be a binge that involves using drugs in large amounts or repeatedly. In either situation, relapse does not mean you cannot get back on the road to recovery. However, it may indicate that underlying issues are not being managed effectively or that you could benefit from recommitting yourself to your sobriety. The first six months of recovery is when a large percentage of relapses occur—studies demonstrate that between 66% to 80% of relapses occur in the first 6 months after treatment. Relapses can be motivated or influenced by changes made previously to the brain during active drug use, or by the experience of uncomfortable feelings, pain, stress, or a combination of these factors. With this in mind, creating a solid drug relapse-prevention plan before you leave inpatient treatment is a great proactive step to protect your sobriety.

The first six months of recovery is when a large percentage of relapses occur—studies demonstrate that between 66% to 80% of relapses occur in the first 6 months after treatment.

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Specific Thoughts to Cope with Cravings Training your mind to think positive thoughts is an important step in managing cravings and drug relapse prevention. A few ways to do this include: • Remembering how bleak things seemed when you were using drugs. • Thinking about the reasons you stopped using drugs and referring to the list of negative consequences that your drug use has caused. • Reminding yourself that your cravings are a normal part of recovery and that you do not have to give into them. • Visualizing the cravings as waves that you have to ride out. Urge- surfing is a technique that focuses your mind on the physical and mental experience of the craving, rather than giving in to the urge to use. • Being positive. Encourage yourself by remembering your successes each time your cravings become intense.

Negtive Feelings and Cravings People in early recovery are often taught that they are more likely to relapse when they are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired—otherwise known as the acronym, HALT. Stress and other negative emotions can also increase your cravings to use. Experiencing uncomfortable feelings, such as fear, boredom, anxiety, stress, anger, frustration, or sadness are especially difficult when you are in early recovery, making it appealing to turn to your drug of choice to manage these feelings. So learning how to regulate your emotions appropriately is another essential feature of an effective relapse-prevention plan. A few ways to help you regulate your emotions is speaking to a support group, exercising, or practicing other distraction techniques, such as reading, watching television, or listening to music while the feelings pass. Following a healthy daily routine can also help you reduce stress, so focus on managing your small daily stressors, eating a healthy diet, and getting adequate amounts of rest. People in early recovery are often taught that they are more likely to relapse when they are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired— otherwise known as the acronym, HALT.

Planning out each step you need to take to reach these goals is worth the time you invest in doing it because reaching these goals means actively building up safeguards for your recovery, rather than just hoping that challenges won’t arise. Celebrate your small milestones too. Self-help meetings are great at helping you do this and providing incentives to stay clean, such as coins or key tags earned for increments of sobriety. Surround yourself with people who celebrate with you. 15

Discrimination, whether based on race, gender, or sexual orientation, has long been thought to be a contributor to substance abuse. Now a new study has confirmed the relationship between discrimination and addiction, but it’s also brought up many more questions that still need to be answered in order to improve treatment outcomes. Researchers at the University of Iowa recently completed a peer review study in which they looked at 97 previous studies on discrimination and alcohol use. Their goal was to summarize the collective knowledge researchers have uncovered throughout the years, and what they found confirmed in more detail what many had previously suspected.

“Generally there is good scientific support, but the evidence is mixed for different groups

and for types of discrimination.” - Dr.Paul Gilbert, University of Iowa

overtly racist or sexist to another person. But less research has been done on what are known as micro-aggressions, small everyday occurrences that can rub a person the wrong way. That research is improving, but there are other factors that need to be more fully explored. While studies have looked at historical trauma in the African-American population, the concept has not been fully investigated with regards to Hispanic and Asian populations. “This notion of historic trauma could be really relevant to other groups, but it hasn't received much attention at all,” Dr. Gilbert says. “This is something we should pay attention to.” All of this adds up to the fact that treatment providers may be missing a key piece of the substance abuse puzzle.

The team found that discrimination did indeed lead to an increase in drinking frequency, quantity of alcohol consumed, and in the risk for alcohol use disorders. Researchers say drinking can represent a coping mechanism in response to the stress caused by discrimination, and several studies showed clients acknowledging this direct link themselves. But when looking at specific populations and types of discrimination, the picture becomes less clear. “The story is that generally there is good scientific support, but the evidence is mixed for different groups and for types of discrimination,” says Dr. Paul Gilbert, the study’s lead author. “We don’t really know comparing one type or one level to another.” For example, much research has been done on interpersonal discrimination where someone is

But just because the intricacies of how discrimination affects drinking aren’t yet fully understood, that doesn’t mean our current knowledge base can’t be helpful. Dr. Gilbert says simply knowing that experiences with discrimination can drive drinking could inform the way treatment providers interact with clients, opening new areas of their lives to explore during treatment. “It can serve as sort of an early warning or indicator,” Dr. Gilbert says. “For treatment providers, it’s worth looking at: is there something that may be keeping folks from accessing services or affecting outcomes?”

Dr. Gilbert says treatment providers should continue to address discrimination as part of a holistic approach to recovery. He says it will be up to researchers to fill

in the gaps to find the precise ways that discrimination affects drinking behavior. “We’ve got good evidence on this level of interpersonal discrimination,” Dr. Gilbert says. “We’ve gotten the low-hanging fruit, now it’s time to start working on the stuff that’s a little further up the tree.”

“It can serve as sort of an early warning or indicator.”

Bend But Don’t Break Yoga is being used to help people maintain recovery and avoid relapse

Yoga is no longer exercise your annoying, health-conscious friend won’t stop talking about.The ancient practice is now being used to help people recover from addiction. While scholars estimate yoga was developed sometime around 300 to 400 B.C., the practice hasn’t stopped changing over the last 2,000 years. A new wave of yogis are now helping people in recovery connect their spiritual and physical sides through yoga by combining the practice with more traditional 12-step elements. “It’s just a way of coming back to a sense of wholeness,” says Nikki Myers, a yoga therapist who helped develop the 12-step yoga system. “We use yoga as a process in order to bring that reintegration.”

Myers says she developed the system primarily as a means of relapse prevention. She says a typical 12-step yoga session would begin the same way most 12- step meetings do, with a focus on sharing and discussion of important recovery topics. Once the “meeting” portion of the session is over, the group will then move into a series of yoga poses designed to help participants focus on their physical recovery. “A focus needs to be on the body- based piece as well as the cognitive piece in order for wholeness to really be manifested,”Myers says. “Once you include those things, the whole idea is that these will begin to offer us a set of tools that we can use both on the mat in the yoga practice and off the mat when the triggers of life show up.”

“It’s just a way of coming back to a sense of wholeness.” - Nikki Myers, yoga therapist

The right tools Myers says the idea that yoga can provide a set of tools is critical as the practice of yoga is much more than the poses themselves. She says there’s also a focus on breathing techniques, a meditation of sorts, and a connection to one’s physical reactions that can prove vital when faced with difficult circumstances. Myers recalls how one woman who participated in 12-step yoga later found herself in a very stressful situation at home with her kids misbehaving and everything going wrong. She said she could feel the negativity boiling up inside her. It was the kind of stress that had triggered her to drink in the past, but the woman said in that moment she was able to relax and calm herself by focusing on her breathing and remembering the feeling of tranquility she had experienced in class. “It had a way of creating a space, giving her tools to create a space between her reactions and instead take a different neural pathway,”Myers says. “These are the kind of tools that we’re looking to have people use.” “A focus needs to be on the body-based piece as well as the cognitive piece in order for wholeness to really be manifested.” - Nikki Myers

Not a replacement Myers is quick to point out that yoga is not a substitute for traditional 12-step support, but rather an additional measure that some people may find helpful. She says some people have pushed back against the practice, but others have been enthusiastic about its power, with classes spreading across the country and even internationally. Myers says she hopes that one day 12-step yoga will be as common as other treatment programs. But she says as long as people are maintaining sobriety and finding wholeness within themselves, she’ll be proud of the difference her system has made. “We’ll tell people, ‘Notice this in your body, what it really feels like,’” Myers says. “Healing only happens in safe space.”

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