coronavirus Archives - Dr. John Rosa

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Shares Results Of Recent Study Revealing That Chiropractic Care Can Prevent Suicide.

Dr. John P. Rosa, national opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker share the compelling results of a recent study showing that nonpharmacological treatments, which included chiropractic treatments, significantly lowered the risk of suicide and other adverse conditions.

ROCKVILLE, MD. August 26, 2020: Owner of Accessible Beltway Clinics and opioid crises expert, Dr. John Rosa, posted a new blog on his website entitled, “Chiropractic Treatment Plays Important Role In Suicide Prevention,” in which Dr. Rosa encourages anyone in chronic pain to keep their chiropractor’s phone number handy.

Dr. Rosa states, “Suicide prevention is just one more among a long list of benefits chiropractic care provides.” He continues adding, “This news has been recently revealed based on research conducted among U.S. Army service members returning from deployment. The motivation for the study was based on the fact that suicide among our returned service men and women has been going up steadily. For instance, between 2001 and 2014, studies show that “U.S. adult civilian suicides increased 23%, while Veteran suicides increased 32%.””

According to Dr. Rosa, “The authors of the study compared 142,539 U.S. Army service members with chronic pain who received nonpharmacological treatments (NPT) with those who did not in order to see if there was a reduction in long-term pain related adverse outcomes. Almost 25% of the participants received chiropractic care, while physical therapy was conducted on 32% of the participants.”

Read the entire blog at https://drjohnrosa.com/chiropractic-treatment-plays-important-role-in-suicide-prevention/

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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National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Reveals That His Greatest Concern About The Opioid Epidemic Has Come About.

By Dr. John Rosa

Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker talks about how the COVID-19 crisis has singlehandedly caused a devastating setback in the progress made in the opioid crisis.

ROCKVILLE, MD. August 19, 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, “What Did The Opioid Epidemic Say To The Covid-19 Pandemic.” Dr. Rosa acknowledges that the challenges of both crises are no joke.

The answer to the title of Dr. Rosa’s latest article is, “Thanks, man, I was starting to lose traction, but you’re a great dis-traction and I’m killing it again!”

According to Dr. Rosa, It’s not a joke and it certainly isn’t funny. But, unfortunately, it’s a fact.” He continues adding, “This has been my greatest concern since the pandemic took center stage back in February.” He shares that he is not alone in his concern, writing, “As reported recently at Quartz (qz.com) by geopolitical reporter, Annalisa Merrelli, in an article entitled, Covid-19 is undoing a decade of progress on the opioid epidemic, “experts are worried the progress made so far on tackling the opioid crisis may be jeopardized.”” https://qz.com/1889798/covid-19-is-making-the-opioid-crisis-much-worse/

“The COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Rosa states, “is without question the perfect storm that is allowing the opioid epidemic to spread freely again and take the lives of so many without even being noticed. The isolation, social distancing, uncertainties, and job losses, combined with decreasing support systems, are all well-known risk factors for increasing drug use.” He adds, “For people who have been in recovery, the pandemic provides the perfect excuse and environment in which to relapse.”

However, according to Dr. Rosa, “Social distancing and isolation aren’t the only reasons that contribute to relapse. Consider the number of patients who find themselves suddenly without insurance who lost coverage through loss of work. It takes time to enroll in Medicaid, which results in loss of continuity of treatment, and ultimately increases the risk of relapse and overdose.” He emphasizes, “And of course, the hardest hit areas economically are the rural and poorer communities where opioid abuse is always higher risk.”

Read the entire article at https://drjohnrosa.com/what-did-the-opioid-epidemic-say-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/

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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What Did The Opioid Epidemic Say To The Covid-19 Pandemic

By Dr. John Rosa

“Thanks, man, I was starting to lose traction, but you’re a great dis-traction and I’m killing it again!”

It’s not a joke and it certainly isn’t funny. But, unfortunately, it’s a fact. This has been my greatest concern since the pandemic took center stage back in February. As reported recently at Quartz (qz.com) by geopolitical reporter, Annalisa Merrelli, in an article entitled, Covid-19 is undoing a decade of progress on the opioid epidemic, “experts are worried the progress made so far on tackling the opioid crisis may be jeopardized.” https://qz.com/1889798/covid-19-is-making-the-opioid-crisis-much-worse/

The COVID-19 pandemic is without question the perfect storm that is allowing the opioid epidemic to spread freely again and take the lives of so many without even being noticed. The isolation, social distancing, uncertainties, and job losses, combined with decreasing support systems, are all well-known risk factors for increasing drug use. For people who have been in recovery, the pandemic provides the perfect excuse and environment in which to relapse.

Job Loss And Loss Of Insurance Coverage

Social distancing and isolation aren’t the only reasons that contribute to relapse. Consider the number of patients who find themselves suddenly without insurance who lost coverage through loss of work. It takes time to enroll in Medicaid, which results in loss of continuity of treatment, and ultimately increases the risk of relapse and overdose. And of course, the hardest hit areas economically are the rural and poorer communities where opioid abuse is always higher risk.

Opioid Addiction Research Comes To A Halt

In addition, losing ground in this effort is going to have long-term effects since much research has come to a halt because of the pandemic – especially clinical research. With so many COVID-19 patients to take care of hospitals simply don’t have sufficient to continue their work on opioid addiction research. And, where patients were being studied in prisons, doctors no longer have access due to prisons being closed to external visitors.

Fatal Overdoses Hard To Confirm Under COVID-19 Shadow

In the aforementioned Quartz article, it is stated that medical professionals around the country have seen increases in fatal overdoses. Though according to the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “it’s hard to quantify by how much, because not only does the official data lag behind incidents, but its collection relies on autopsies to confirm overdose as the cause of death. With coroners and pathologists overwhelmed by Covid-19, performing such checks has been impossible in many cases, which will likely result inaccurate data for 2020.” https://qz.com/1889798/covid-19-is-making-the-opioid-crisis-much-worse/

One Crisis Overshadowing Another Is No Joke

The daily deaths throughout the U.S. from COVID-19 is just under 1,000 – around 941. The pre-pandemic daily death toll from OUD (opioid use disorder) was 150. Clearly unimpressive from some perspectives. However, from the perspective of someone who has seen the damage inflicted on family members, colleagues and friends due to opioids, who are not included in the damage or death reports, I think that statistic could be much higher.

Losing a child, a husband, a father or wife, a sister, a mother, or a friend to opioid overdose causes irreparable damage and heartache to those left behind. Some of those loved ones feel like they should have or could have done something to prevent the death. In the case of COVID-19, the killer is an invisible virus. No one knows where it is, who is potentially carrying it. In other words, there’s little notion of having a sense of control involved. Short of following safety protocols that include wearing a mask, staying safely socially distanced and washing hands there’s really nothing much one can do.

The thought that one might have been able to prevent a loved one’s death to drug overdose is equally out of anyone’s control except the person who is addicted. Addiction is as unpredictable as COVID-19 and deaths from both are equally tragic.

I find it even more tragic how the appearance of one crisis can so quickly decimate the progress that’s been so hard-won on another crisis. I have faith though that despite all appearances there will be positive outcomes learned from both of these diseases wreaking havoc on our country and the world at large.

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.

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.

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 https://drjohnrosa.com/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

The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Making The Opioid Addiction Epidemic Worse

By Dr. John Rosa

Isolation and loneliness have an overwhelming effect on people who are addicted to drugs and other substances.

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. 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.

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. And that is exactly what is happening as the COVID-19 pandemic crosses paths with the opioid epidemic.

Alternative Therapy

With alternative methods of treating chronic pain, including chiropractic, physical therapy, massage and acupuncture being limited or completely unavailable due to COVID-19, people that have controlled symptoms with no or little medication have nowhere to turn. On top of that, add an overburdened medical system, with every nurse, doctor and other medical professional being called upon to help in this crisis, those who are addicted may be afraid to go to the hospital or urgent care for fear of becoming infected with the virus. There has, however, been in increase in tele-health visits, which is taking pressure off of the healthcare system with in-person encounters. But now a new problem has come up. Due to the “stay-at-home” orders in most states, the doctors are more inclined to prescribe pain killers rather than refer patients for any other kind of treatment.

Catch-22

It’s a definite catch-22 no matter how you look at it. In the pandemic social isolation is going to save lives. In the opioid epidemic social isolation is likely to cause a new addiction, relapse or perhaps even death. I know we have our hands full, but we must find a way to help this very vulnerable segment of our society in the midst of one of our most challenging times.

The Effect Of COVID19 Pandemic On The Opioid Epidemic

By Dr. John Rosa

We’re in the midst of a global pandemic.

The way a nation takes care of all of its citizens is a reflection of that nation’s evolution as human beings. 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.

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. Efforts to stop the blatant over prescribing of addictive drugs has been slow and in some medical specialties not at all. 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, we could be doing a lot more.

Now, 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. 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.

Social Isolation More Difficult For Those In Recovery

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. We have technology that allows us to visit with our friends and loved ones. However, while most of us prepare to hunker down at home and self-isolate with our favorite foods and healthy supplies of toilet paper, there is a segment of the population that will have a very difficult time with social isolation.

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. Relapses are already being reported at a higher rate in just the last few weeks.

A Global Pandemic On Top Of An Opioid Epidemic

We are in a strange, historic time and critically important time. Who knows how this situation is going to evolve? Lives will continue to be lost as a result of both COVID19 and drug overdoses. It is thought that the COVID19 virus will eventually stop spreading, as viruses do. Though we don’t know how long it will take for it to run its course. However, the opioid epidemic will still be with us and unfortunately the likelihood is that it could be more virulent than ever.

I pray for the safety and well-being of everyone during these unprecedented times. My heart goes out to all those who have fallen due to COVID19 and to their families. I pray for the safety of all those on the front lines who serve in the hospitals, the police and other public servants, supermarkets and other essential services personnel. I thank you for your courageous service.

And I pray for all of those who continue to suffer the pain of addiction. Please stay well and safe.