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In March 2006, SAMHSA announced that Oklahoma tops the nation in
prescription painkiller addiction. According to SAMHSA, 6.7% of
Oklahomans over 12 years of age use painkillers,
http://newsok.com/article/3212728 .
The rapid growth of prescription painkiller addiction has been fueled by the burgeoning
number online pharmacies and their overwhelming, but effective, email
spamming. This cheap, plentiful, and reliable source of drugs, which
doesn't involve risky or criminal associations has changed the
"profile" of addiction, examples include:
• Heath Ledger • Rush Limbaugh • Wife of the Oklahoma County DA in 2002
The Oklahoma Bureau Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs estimates that 87,000 painkiller
addicts reside in Oklahoma. Taking a pro rata share of that number,
based upon the 2006 population estimates of the US Bureau of Census,
some 13,000 painkiller addicts live in Tulsa County, even more in
Oklahoma County.
Now the plot thickens. The DEA and the
Oklahoma Bureau Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs are doing an excellent
job shutting down illegal online pharmacies, doctor-shopping, etc.,
dramatically drying up supplies. This huge population is starting to
see rapidly rising prices and unavailability. People are getting sick
and desperate. What happens next? Ripples will be felt through the
criminal justice, social services, behavioral health and health care
fields.
But these ramifications can be avoided. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA)
has identified Medication Assisted Treatment, Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIP) 43, as an
evidenced-based best practice for minimizing the the destruction of opioid
addiction and improving outcomes for recovery.
Find out more information at http://myspace.com/nhsoklahoma
.
Dan Cross is the Regional Director of Native Health Systems in Oklahoma. NHS manages three substance abuse treatment centers, specializing in methamphetamine and opioid addiction, serving native & non-native people, in:
1) Miami, OK - Quapaw Counseling Services (918)542-1786
2) Oklahoma City - Quapaw Counseling Services (405)672-3033
He is a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor and has developed and directed hospital-based and community-based psychiatric and chemical dependency programs and often presents at conferences and workshops.
» left by Sarah from OK City, OK (1 year 354 days ago.)
Really makes you think about life and one's purpose. Respond to this comment
» left by Sarah from OK City, OK (1 year 354 days ago.)
Really makes you think about life and one's purpose. Respond to this comment
» left by Aaron from Houston, TX (1 year 354 days ago.)
Does seem like I'm more fulfilled when I'm using my talents helping others. Great article. Thanks for making me think! Respond to this comment
» left by Don Ross from St Louis (1 year 354 days ago.)
Being a part of something bigger is being a part of the Creator's plan. Thanks for the reminder. Respond to this comment
» left by Janice from Austin, TX (1 year 351 days ago.)
Becoming a part of something bigger than myself has always given me fresh perspective. Thanks for the reminder! Respond to this comment
» left by Renda from White Plains, NY (1 year 351 days ago.)
I was really into that "me thing" about expressing my individuality. I think it was, in part, a reaction to that "others thing" I was raised with in my childhood church. Neither produced much life in me. However, the balance Dan writes about has been key to a much more fulfilling life for me. I need to explore my individuality, then express that personality and those giftings in service to something bigger than me. Respond to this comment
» left by Jordan from Plantation, FL (1 year 350 days ago.)
Meaning expressed in the ordinal balance between individual expression, in the context of serving a larger vision, is a vein of wisdom not surprisingly divine. Respond to this comment
» left by Fred from Alahambra (1 year 349 days ago.)
We are not swallowed up by synergizing with others. We express who we are more effectively in the context of unity of purpose. Respond to this comment
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on 7/13/2007 11:07:08 AM. View other articles written byDrug Treatment(97)
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