If you feel like God is far away,

ask yourself “who moved?”

Get Admitted

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

AAN on Pregant Women and Addiction

addiction pregnant women
The United States has come a long way in regard to putting an end to draconian drug laws. We are still far from the goal of decriminalizing addiction, a form of mental illness, but there is hope that one day, treatment will be the answer to all things mental health.

In many states across the country, the response to a low-level drug offense (simple possession for instance) is drug court. More and more people are being offered treatment over jail. Lawmakers are slowly discovering that addiction is not a problem that we can sweep under the rug, i.e., arrest away. For the first time, politicians are acknowledging that the “war on drugs” has done far more harm than good.

As the nation continues to wrestle with the opioid use disorder crisis, one that steals roughly 130 lives each day, compassion is quickly becoming a primary response. Stigmatizing and demonizing addicts harms us all. Who among us does not know someone who has struggled with addiction?

We are, all of us, touched by the deadly epidemic of addiction and the solution is treatment and long-term recovery. States and municipalities across the U.S. now realize that when those struggling find empowerment they are more likely to seek assistance. With help, individuals can avoid becoming an overdose death statistic. While many opioid addicts are finding that society is exercising a more compassionate understanding of addiction, at least one demographic has been left behind. Pregnant women and new mothers.

AAN Addresses Pregnant Women with a Substance Use Disorder


As the prescription opioid epidemic gained momentum, many hospitals began seeing an uptick in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). The condition affects newborns who were exposed to opioids in utero. Once born, babies experience the symptoms that an addict withdrawing from opioids faces. Extended hospital stays and close monitoring is required to mitigate the risk of the infant experiencing further complications.

In a fair number of states, using drugs during pregnancy is grounds for child abuse charges. In Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, mothers found to be exposing their unborn or newborn children to drugs face the threat of arrest. Just as with the war on drugs, punitive actions have the unintended effect of causing people to hide their problems. In the case of pregnant women, this can mean disastrous consequences for the child.

The American Academy of Nursing (Academy) released a policy brief calling for an end to criminal prosecution and punitive civil actions for pregnant and new mothers. The organization, 2,700-members strong, calls for a public health response rather than disciplinary actions. They contend that laws in the above states cause women to live in fear, which prevents them from accessing essential health services. The AAN writes:

“At the forefront of the national stage for the past several years, the opioid epidemic has expanded the public’s awareness of substance use disorders (SUDs) and treatments during this public health emergency. For pregnant women with SUDs however, punitive actions in place of a public health response have resulted in criminal charges, arrests, and incarceration for these women. This has reinforced a culture of fear and barriers to essential health services. Early entry into maternity care plays a vital role in long-term health and social outcomes. Recovery-oriented public health responses are urgently needed to shift the culture of punishment to one of enduring therapeutic intent for women as well as their infants, children, and families affected by SUDs.” 

Included in the policy brief are several suggestions to assist doctors and state and federal agencies, such as increasing:
  • Federal funding for SAMHSA State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis grants (Opioid STR) and Opioid STR Supplement grants that include SUD services for pregnant and parenting women and that develop community-based partnerships to ensure safe access to health services including prevention, treatment, and recovery supports for women, their children, and families.
  • State funding to ensure accessible community-based treatment, recovery supports, and health and social services for women, their children, and families affected by substance use regardless of immigration status or ability to pay for services.

 

Substance Use Disorder Treatment


At Celebrate Hope, we can help you or your loved one overcome and recover from substance use disorder. Please contact our team today to learn more about our faith-based addiction treatment program. With cutting-edge treatment and Christian counseling, you can start celebrating hope today.

Friday, April 12, 2019

Alcohol Use Disorder is Treatable: Spread The Word


alcohol use disorder is treatable
When it comes to substance use and misuse, nothing compares to alcohol. Even opioid use disorder and overdose deaths pale in comparison to drinking. While alcohol is legal, it's far from harmless. 2.8 million deaths are caused by alcohol each year around the globe, according to Facing Addiction with NCADD. Nearly 90,000 Americans die from excessive alcohol use annually.

Alcohol use disorder affects some 17.6 million people in the United States, whereas 2.5 million are living with opioid use disorder. Prescription painkiller and heroin use continues to be a severe cause for concern, and it is vital that more be done to combat the epidemic we face. However, having a dialogue about alcohol use is of equal import considering the toll it takes on society. Talking about the impact of alcohol is arguably more vital given the data.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) created Alcohol Awareness Month in 1987 with the above goal in mind. The organization sought to start a worldwide conversation about the dangers of alcohol. NCADD is committed to ending the age-old stigma of alcoholism that prevents those who suffer from seeking help.

In April, NCADD works with its affiliates across the country to organize events aimed at creating awareness and encouraging people with alcohol use disorder to find support. The theme of Alcohol Awareness Month 2019 is “Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow.”

Spreading The Word About Alcohol Use Disorder


Alcohol use in the U.S. is a substantial problem from one demographic to the next. Old and young, white and black, affluent and impoverished; individuals from nearly every sector contend with AUD. Those who engage in risky drinking patterns put themselves at significant risk of experiencing health problems, including mental illness.

Those who begin drinking at a young age – in adolescence or early adulthood – are exponentially more likely to experience problems later in life. The list of potentially fatal health disorders that can arise from drinking too much is ever-expanding. Since 66.6 million people from age 12 to 17 report binge drinking, there is a significant cause for concern.

When one forms an unhealthy relationship with alcohol as a teen, then continues drinking heavily as an adult, they are almost certain to face problems. Not the least of which are alcohol use disorder and several other mental health disorders. Hazardous drinking can also result in cardiovascular troubles, liver disease, gastrointestinal issues, and many forms of cancer.

Of all hospital beds in the United States, 40 percent are being used to treat alcohol-related health conditions, according to Facing Addiction with NCADD. However, alcohol use is a treatable mental health condition. Early intervention can prevent others from developing health conditions stemming from alcohol consumption.

During Alcohol Awareness Month, we would like to encourage anyone who struggles with alcohol to seek assistance. Millions of Americans are working programs of recovery to lead productive lives, in spite of their illness. With help, you too can discover how to live a life in recovery and make lasting changes for the better.

Faith-based Alcohol Use Disorder Rehab


Celebrate Hope can help you begin a journey of recovery and rebuild your life. We utilize advanced medical treatments to help our clients break the cycle of alcohol use disorder and show our residents how to apply the teachings of Jesus Christ to their everyday lives.

Please contact us today to learn more about faith-based addiction treatment at Celebrate Hope.
CignaAetnaBlueCross BlueShieldUnited HealthcareMore Options/Verify Benefits

Contact Celebrate Hope

Our Christian counselors walk with clients in their journey of recovery and reconnection to God.


Request a Call From Us