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National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Talks About The Explosive Conditions COVID-19 Has Created For Opioid Epidemic.

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker addresses the isolation that opioid users in general face, and the torturous effects that enforced isolation, caused by COVID-19, has created for this segment of the population and how that has led to an explosive situation.

ROCKVILLE, MD. July 30, 2020: Dr. John Rosa, dynamic speaker, national opioid crises expert, and co-author of The Recipe for Success with Jack Canfield, posted a new article on his website entitled, “The Explosive Combination Of Opioids, Isolation And COVID-19,” in which Dr. Rosa acknowledges the challenges presented are greater than ever.

As Dr. Rosa points out, “Isolation has historically been used as a form of torture around the world.” He continues adding, “We humans need interaction with other humans. We need the warmth of connections, family, friends, colleagues. So when I think about people who have become addicted to opioids that sooner or later isolate themselves from either a life they want or a life they remember, it is another form of torture that is as devastating as the drug itself.”

According to Dr. Rosa, “If someone became addicted because a doctor prescribed opioids instead of treatment or if someone tried it at a party to get high and fell into the trap of using, the dependency usually serves the same mechanism of escape.” He elaborates, “People with a difficult life like the feeling of not caring about that difficult life. People with a great life who get caught up in using become isolated as they continue to cause friction and distance from the ones they love which in turn demands more use.”

“Psychology tells us,” says Dr. Rosa, “that people begin abusing drugs often as a result of being bored and having too much time on their hands. Furthermore, it is known that as abuse progresses into addiction, boredom becomes even more of a factor because the drug actually rewires the brain to receive more gratification from the opioid than from normal activities.”

As Dr. Rosa emphasizes, “COVID has made those susceptible to use opioids much more likely to do so.” He adds, “I look at the opioid crisis as a pile of burning wood that has been sending smoke signals to our country demanding help.

The wood is the susceptible population.

The drying of the wood is the long standing cover up and greed of pharmaceutical companies. The gun powder on the wood pile is the overprescribing by doctors.

The gasoline poured over the pile is heroin and fentanyl

– and here comes COVID-19 walking by and takes that last drag on a cigarette before flicking it towards the pile.”

Read the entire article at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/the-explosive-combination-of-opioids-isolation-and-covid-19/

About John P. Rosa

Dr. John Rosa owns and supervises Accessible Beltway Clinics, which is comprised of 17 clinics in Maryland and Virginia that sees over 60,000 patient visits per year. ABC Clinics combine medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture and behavioral medicine to give a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to pain syndromes and musculoskeletal disorders. Active in sports medicine with consulting/treating athletes in several universities, NBA, MLB, NHL and USA Olympic Basketball. Creator of 24/7 RnR an FDA approved analgesic cream; a proprietary blend of the most potent materials resulting in the most effective product on the market for pain Relief and aiding Recovery. Founder of Accessible Wellness Solutions – an onsite corporate wellness program offering consulting, lectures and management of onsite clinics.

Leader in Chiropractic

Trustee of New York Chiropractic College for over 15 years serving final 3-year term as Chairman of the Board and given the honor or Board Emeritus post service. Awarded the highest recognitions in Chiropractic Medicine as Fellow of the American Chiropractic Colleges and Fellow of the International Chiropractic Colleges.

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and professional organization consultant
Best selling author

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves
Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

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The Explosive Combination Of Opioids, Isolation And COVID-19

Isolation has historically been used as a form of torture around the world. We humans need interaction with other humans. We need the warmth of connections, family, friends, colleagues. So when I think about people who have become addicted to opioids that sooner or later isolate themselves from either a life they want or a life they remember, it is another form of torture that is as devastating as the drug itself.

Drug Abuse Is A Mechanism Of Escape

If someone became addicted because a doctor prescribed opioids instead of treatment or if someone tried it at a party to get high and fell into the trap of using, the dependency usually serves the same mechanism of escape. People with a difficult life like the feeling of not caring about that difficult life. People with a great life who get caught up in using become isolated as they continue to cause friction and distance from the ones they love which in turn demands more use.

Psychology tells us that people begin abusing drugs often as a result of being bored and having too much time on their hands. Furthermore, it is known that as abuse progresses into addiction, boredom becomes even more of a factor because the drug actually rewires the brain to receive more gratification from the opioid than from normal activities.

Isolation Without Routines

Normally, there is some routine in place that keeps most people from abusing drugs at all hours of the day. However, when work, school and social activity come to a halt, people struggling with addiction have to face more cravings while also having fewer options for combating them.

Depression and anxiety also increase with isolation. Being isolated makes it more likely for a person to estrange themselves from friends and family.

Along Comes COVID-19

COVID has made those susceptible to use opioids much more likely to do so. I look at the opioid crisis as a pile of burning wood that has been sending smoke signals to our country demanding help.

The wood is the susceptible population.

The drying of the wood is the long standing cover up and greed of pharmaceutical companies. The gun powder on the wood pile is the overprescribing by doctors.

The gasoline poured over the pile is heroin and fentanyl

– and here comes COVID-19 walking by and takes that last drag on a cigarette before flicking it towards the pile.

Kaboom!

The explosion has happened. Opioid users are now more isolated than ever, more vulnerable than ever, more terrified than ever, more tortured than ever. We have a bigger problem than ever on our hands as this global pandemic disrupts all our lives in one way or another. The opioid epidemic was already spiraling out of control and now it’s going to be even more challenging to pick up the pieces.

Increased Opioid Misuse Due To Abandoned Safety Measures

There are millions of people that are dependent on opioid medications and in most areas of the country, there are rules for doctors to follow that help their patients get the medications they need for their own personal use. In addition, these rules were instituted in order to make sure the patients receiving the drugs are not selling them instead of using them for their own pain control needs.

Safety Rule number one is: If it’s the first time a doctor is prescribing a narcotic to a patient, it must be during a face-to-face encounter. Rule number two is: there must be follow-up visits for urine testing to make sure the patients are taking the meds and not diverting them. This also shows the doctor if there are other substances that would raise an alarm.

These two safety measures were helpful in preventing the rampant misuse of opioids. However, the DEA declared that during the COVID emergency doctors can prescribe controlled substances by telemedicine for a new patient and without continued tracking of existing patients by urine tests.

It isn’t difficult to imagine the possibilities of misuse without these safety measures. Another issue is that there are a lot of rural areas where people do not have access to telemedicine and their doctor’s office is closed.

Unfortunately, we have already begun to see the results of having these two safety measures abandoned. In cases where drug dependency is strong enough pills are being purchased on the street. Eventually, that becomes too expensive for many and the switch to less expensive heroin and fentanyl Is inevitable.

The telemedicine initiative was clearly necessary in light of the COVID emergency. However, in many instances it simply created another problem that leads to overdose deaths and misuse.

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Recognizes That While Some People Will Be Saved From Relapse By Digital Meetings, Many Won’t Be.

By Dr. John Rosa

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker talks about the detrimental effect that unstructured time and general feelings of anxiety that everyone is experiencing now is having on the hundreds of thousands of people who are struggling to recover from substance abuse disorder.

ROCKVILLE, MD. June 09, 2020: Owner of Accessible Beltway Clinics and opioid crises expert, Dr. John Rosa, posted a new blog on his website entitled, “Not Everyone Will Be Able To Zoom Through The Pandemic Without Relapsing,” in which Dr. Rosa acknowledges that digital meetings are not the same as in-person.

Dr. John P. Rosa Dr. Rosa points out that, “Some people with substance abuse challenges may be able to use the pandemic as motivation to steer clear of drugs and stay clean.” He adds, “Some may be inspired by attending Zoom meetings while others simply will not be able to endure the overabundance of unstructured time, not being able to attend recovery meetings in person and the feelings of anxiety caused by COVID19.”

“The Appalachian region,” Dr. Rosa explains, “a 205,000-square-mile-region encompassing the Appalachian Mountains, stretching from southern New York state to northern Mississippi is known for an inordinately large number of opioid overdoses and deaths.” He states, “Since the pandemic began, according to a cnn.com article, “substance abuse experts, doctors and state officials have seen a rise in relapses.” https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/14/health/opioids-addiction-appalachia-coronavirus-trnd/index.html

According to Dr. Rosa, “People with substance abuse disorders are not only at risk of relapsing, their health is compromised due to damage that’s been caused by opioid abuse, and so are also at heightened risk of dying from the virus. Drug use weakens the immune system and makes users more prone to infections and infectious diseases.”

Read the entire blog at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/not-everyone-will-be-able-to-zoom-through-the-pandemic-without-relapsing/

About John P. Rosa

Leader in Chiropractic

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and professional organization consultant
Best selling author

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves
Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

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Not Everyone Will Be Able To Zoom Through The Pandemic Without Relapsing

Some people with substance abuse challenges may be able to use the pandemic as motivation to steer clear of drugs and stay clean. Some may be inspired by attending Zoom meetings while others simply will not be able to endure the overabundance of unstructured time, not being able to attend recovery meetings in person and the feelings of anxiety caused by COVID19.

The Appalachian region, a 205,000-square-mile-region encompassing the Appalachian Mountains, stretching from southern New York state to northern Mississippi is known for an inordinately large number of opioid overdoses and deaths. Since the pandemic began, according to a cnn.com article, “substance abuse experts, doctors and state officials have seen a rise in relapses.” https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/14/health/opioids-addiction-appalachia-coronavirus-trnd/index.html

One person who used the pandemic as motivation to change was quoted in the article as saying, “The fact that I have young children now and I would put them above anything, even my addiction. I know that for a fact.. I would go through the sickness just to be sure that my kids were safe and not getting sick and potentially dying.” https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/14/health/opioids-addiction-appalachia-coronavirus-trnd/index.html

People with substance abuse disorders are not only at risk of relapsing, their health is compromised due to damage that’s been caused by opioid abuse, and so are also at heightened risk of dying from the virus. Drug use weakens the immune system and makes users more prone to infections and infectious diseases. Opioid use also appears to result in a rapid progression of any disease. Typically opioid use has been related to respiratory issues, pulmonary infections and viral infections, all of which are conditions caused by COVID19.

If you have a loved one who is addicted to drugs, please reach out as often as you can to help them get through this challenging time. Explore the use of digital platforms to have virtual visits if possible. This is not an easy time for anyone, and it is particularly difficult for anyone addicted to opioids, alcohol and drugs of any kind.

The Loneliness Of Addiction Magnified During COVID19 Pandemic

By Dr. John Rosa

As the COVID19 pandemic continues with no ending point in sight, getting help for drug addiction is more important than ever. Unfortunately help for addicts is not readily available with the closure of clinics for medication assisted treatments and well as alternatives for chronic pain management. And social distancing requirements make it even more difficult on addicts

This lack of help and human interaction for people in recovery from drug addiction is creating the perfect environment for relapse. At least those who suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) still have access to alcohol since liquor stores have been deemed essential businesses in most states. In addition there is very limited medical treatment for AUD and keeping people out of hospitals is important. This is one important reason why liquor stores have been deemed essential. There are more than 15 million people in the U.S. who have AUD and it’s imperative they have access to their substance of choice.

Without an equivalent method of help for drug addiction, the rate of relapse and overdoses will put an even greater demand on hospitals that are already overburdened with COVID19 patients.

The Rat Park Experiment Proves How Loneliness Fuels Addiction

Drug addiction is a disease. It is a disease caused by loneliness, fear and uncertainty. To help anyone who may be unfamiliar with how loneliness fuels addiction, I am posting the results of a famous experiment called The Rat Park Experiment as posted on. Psychcentral.com.

“One of the most infamous drug experiments that was proliferated during the “War on Drugs” era in the United States was the rat experiment. Rats were placed in a cage containing a feeder bottle of water laced with cocaine and, unsurprisingly, they consumed the cocaine in enormous quantities until they died. This experiment supposedly displayed why even just trying an illicit substance could get you hooked, but it didn’t satisfy Bruce Alexander, a researcher at Simon Fraser University.”

“He recreated the experiment and tweaked one important variable: the cage. In the original experiment, the rats were in a small cage by themselves with no company, no space, and no exercise toys to play with. In Bruce’s new experiment, he constructed Rat Park, filled with everything a rat could desire from tunnels and turn wheels to other rats to play with. This time around, none of the rats got hooked on the drug laced water, which this time was a morphine drip. Alexander’s main point was that it wasn’t necessarily the drug that created addicts, but the cage they were trapped in that drove them to become addicts. When a rat had plenty of things to do, space to be free, and other rats to socialize with, it was far less likely to develop a crippling addiction.”

https://psychcentral.com/blog/why-addicts-are-often-lonely-people/

Efforts Must Be Made To Keep Addicts Safe From Withdrawal, Relapse And Overdose

I imagine by now regular folks who are not addicted to drugs or alcohol are beginning to feel the pressure of social isolation. Some of these people may decide to have a drink. Some may even experiment with drugs. This challenging time is helping many people understand how easy it is to fall prey to addiction during times of uncertainty, fear and loneliness. If you have a loved one who is addicted to drugs, please reach out as often as you can to help them get through this challenging time. Explore the use of digital platforms to have virtual visits if possible. This is not an easy time for anyone and it is particularly difficult for anyone addicted to opioids, alcohol and drugs of any kind.

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Writes About How Isolation Can Be Life-Saving And Deadly At The Same Time

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker writes about how isolation due to the COVID19 Pandemic is derailing efforts to help the people addicted to opioids who are currently in recovery and will no longer be able to get the help they need. For these people isolation could be a death sentence.

ROCKVILLE, MD. April 20, 2020: Owner of Accessible Beltway Clinics and opioid crises expert, Dr. John Rosa, posted a new blog on his website entitled, “The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Making The Opioid Addiction Epidemic Worse.” Dr. Rosa makes a plea for finding a way to help the millions of people addicted to opioids during this challenging time.

Dr. Rosa writes, “When a pandemic that requires people to self-isolate crashes headlong into an ongoing epidemic that is fueled by loneliness and isolation, things are going to get increasingly harmful.” He adds, “And that is exactly what is happening as the COVID-19 pandemic crosses paths with the opioid epidemic.”

“Isolation and loneliness have an overwhelming effect on people who are addicted to drugs and other substances,” says Dr. Rosa. He continues, “It has been shown that many people who feel more socially isolated are the ones who are more susceptible to mental health and substance abuse issues. And, it has been noted that addiction to drugs and alcohol may not just be an effect of isolation but also one of the causes of it.” As Dr. Rosa points out, “Anxiety and isolation will often be the cause of relapse for many who suffer, and it may be a calling to those who have never used to start now.”

Read the entire blog at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/the-covid19-pandemic-is-making-the-opioid-addiction-epidemic-worse/

About Dr. John Rosa:

Leader in Chiropractic:

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and Professional Organization Consultant
Best-Selling Author®

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Encourages Individual Responsibility In Light Of The Uncharted Territory We Face

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker turns his attention to COVID19 and the effect of social isolation on the hundreds and thousands of people addicted to opioids who will no longer be able to attend meetings or receive hands on treatments such as chiropractic and acupuncture.

ROCKVILLE, MD. April 13, 2020: Dr. John Rosa, dynamic speaker, national opioid crises expert, and co-author of The Recipe for Success with Jack Canfield, posted a new article on his website entitled, “The Effect Of COVID19 Pandemic On The Opioid Epidemic,” in which Dr. Rosa acknowledges that unlike gun deaths and opioid deaths, the pandemic cannot be ignored.

According to Dr. Rosa, “The way a nation takes care of all of its citizens is a reflection of that nations’ evolution as human beings.” He adds, “So far, here in the U.S. we don’t get a great score as a global pandemic adds to a score of other challenges.”

Dr. Rosa writes, “We, as a nation have been slogging through an opioid epidemic since the early 1990s that was brought on by the very people who are supposed to be most concerned about the health and well-being of their fellow humans.” He further elaborates, “Efforts to stop the blatant over prescribing of addictive drugs has been slow to non-existent. Even today, if you go to the doctor or even the dentist for a simple ache or pain, the first thing most do is reach for their prescription pad to give you pain killers.” “The point is,” says Dr. Rosa, “we could be doing a lot more and a lot better.”

“Now,” says Dr. Rosa, “here we are in the midst of a virulent global pandemic. And, the big deal about this is that every single person is at risk. This is a reality that cannot be ignored.” He emphasizes, “No one can be judged as being weak or an addict if they get the Coronavirus. Unlike the people who became addicted to a drug that the medical establishment knew was highly addictive.”

Dr. Rosa goes on to say, “Most of us humans are by nature social creatures. During the social distancing and self-isolation required during the COVID19 pandemic, many people will be able to handle the lack of socializing for a while.” He adds, “We have technology that allows us to visit with our friends and loved ones.” He elaborates further, “However, while most of us prepare to hunker down at home and self-isolate with our favorite foods and abundant supplies of toilet paper, there is a segment of the population that will have a very difficult time with social isolation.”

According to Dr. Rosa, “People who are addicted to opioids, alcohol and other drugs and have been attending 12-Step programs will no longer be able to meet and talk about their challenges. For these people, isolation actually feeds addiction. Patients that rely on Chiropractic, physical therapy and acupuncture for pain control are finding it hard to find clinics that haven’t shut their doors. clinics are closed. Relapses are already being reported at a higher rate in just the last few weeks.”

Read the entire article at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/the-effect-of-covid19-pandemic-on-the-opioid-epidemic/

About Dr. John Rosa:

Leader in Chiropractic:

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and Professional Organization Consultant
Best-Selling Author®

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Encourages Families And Communities To Keep Talking About Solutions

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker wants to keep the opioid crisis conversation going to convince those who’ve been devastated by the crisis, as well as the makers, prescribers and regulators to do whatever possible to stem the problem and prevent it from continuing to wreak havoc.

ROCKVILLE, MD. March 2, 2020: Dr. John Rosa, dynamic speaker, national opioid crisis expert, and co-author of The Recipe for Success with Jack Canfield, posted a new article on his website entitled, “The Opioid Epidemic Won’t Go Away If We Ignore It,” in which Dr. Rosa encourages talking and taking action.

Dr. Rosa says, “Many of us humans have a tendency to stick our heads in the sand when the going gets rough, hoping that whatever problem we are avoiding will disappear. The opioid epidemic is not going to go away no matter how we try to ignore it.”

“Chances are,” says Dr. Rosa, “the opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc in your home or community. If it has hit close to home,” he asks, “do you feel helpless in the face of this devastating epidemic?” He continues adding, “Those who have been left in its wake are the ones who are most likely to take some kind of action. But, we all have a responsibility to do something to help our children and loved ones avoid or turn away from the devastation of opioid abuse in order to save their lives. But how? Where do we begin?”

Dr. Rosa suggests, “Talking about possible solutions might be a good starting place. Discussing other methods for dealing with pain could be another. Both of these topics, as well as many others help people who have been adversely affected by the opioid crisis feel as if they are doing something. And that feels better than doing nothing.”

Dr. Rosa poses, “What can your community do to create greater interest in helping to solve the problem?” He states, “We need to get to the children. We need to get into the schools and speak about the crisis to the children. We have to inspire the kids to stay away from drugs and to help their friends who may have already started on the path to destruction.”

According to Dr. Rosa, “As parents we must make sure our medicine cabinets are cleared of old pain pills and other drugs that kids may be tempted to experiment with. We have to talk about this uncomfortable topic and be vigilant in looking for signs of drug use in our kids. Making kids angry is far better than watching them die. So, don’t be afraid to talk about drug use with them.”

Dr. Rosa emphasizes, “Nothing can compensate for the loss of a child or other loved one.” He reminds readers, “This epidemic affects all ages, socioeconomic classes, races and religions. Opioid Use Disorder is rampant throughout the country and among high functioning professionals.”

Read the entire article at http://glt.kji.mybluehost.me/the-opioid-epidemic-wont-go-away-if-we-ignore-it/

About Dr. John Rosa:

Leader in Chiropractic:

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

White House Surrogate
Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
Corporate and Professional Organization Consultant
Best-Selling Author®

Community Leadership:

Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves
Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

The Opioid Epidemic Won’t Go Away If We Ignore It

By Dr. John Rosa

Chances are the opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc in your home or community.

If it has hit close to home do you feel helpless in the face of this devastating epidemic? We humans tend to stick our heads in the sand when the going gets rough, hoping that whatever problem we are avoiding will disappear.

The opioid epidemic is not going to go away no matter how we try to ignore it. Those who have been left in its wake are the ones who are most likely to take some kind of action. But, we all have a responsibility to do something to help our children and loved ones avoid or turn away from the devastation of opioid abuse in order to save their lives. But how? Where do we begin?

Talking Might Help

Talking about possible solutions might be a good starting place. Discussing other methods for dealing with pain could be another. Both of these topics, as well as many others help people who have been adversely affected by the opioid crisis feel as if they are doing something. And that feels better than doing nothing.

Community Outreach

What can your community do to create greater interest in helping to solve the problem?

We need to get to the children. We need to get into the schools and speak about the crisis to the children. We have to inspire the kids to stay away from drugs and to help their friends who may have already started on the path to destruction.

Make Sure You Aren’t Contributing To The Problem

As parents we must make sure our medicine cabinets are cleared of old pain pills and other drugs that kids may be tempted to experiment with. We have to talk about this uncomfortable topic and be vigilant in looking for signs of drug use in our kids. Making kids angry is far better than watching them die. So, don’t be afraid to talk about drug use with them.

Nothing can compensate for the loss of a child or other loved one. This epidemic affects all ages, socioeconomic classes, races and religions. Opioid Use Disorder is rampant throughout the country and among high functioning professionals.

The Same Thing Happened 100 Years Ago

Back in the 1890’s, Bayer, the aspirin maker marketed heroin in the same way opioids have been marketed in the current opioid epidemic. “Bayer targeted physicians, which led to hundreds of favorable clinical papers, “a form of advertising that would be reprinted in myriad newspapers and magazines. The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal gushed: “Heroin possesses many advantages. It’s not hypnotic and there’s no danger of acquiring a habit.””

Sounds very familiar. The sad truth is that there are many co-conspirators who are not facing the burden of responsibility for the current epidemic. I’m talking about the physicians as well as the regulators who failed to do their duty and protect the public.

Let’s Keep Talking

If we talk about it enough, maybe the regulators will get the message and do their job instead of lining their pockets while so many innocent people die. If you, or someone you love is dependent or addicted to opioid drugs, please seek help before it’s too late. If you would like to learn more about the Opioid Crisis as it relates to awareness, prevention and treatment or schedule a corporate or organization seminar contact us at DrJohnRosa.com. Here you will learn how to connect you, your company or organization with the leading experts on the crisis and how to help your community stay safe.