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Research shows that ER visits can lower the rate of opioid deaths by providing overdose education and rescue kits. Emergency Departments across North America have an opportunity to educate patients who come through and provide a rescue kit in case an opioid overdose occurs. Early intervention can often mean the difference between an overdose that causes death and an overdose which is survived. In 1999 the number of opioid overdose deaths was 4,041. By 2010 this number had reached a staggering 16,651 people. Nasal naloxene rescue kits can be provided to patients and their families along with information about how to respond during an overdose situation. In 2011 there were an estimated 420,040 visits to emergency rooms related to an overdose of opioid drugs, and 258,482 overdose cases which involved heroin.
ER visits for possible overdose of opioids, and the number of opioid deaths, can be lowered when patients are provided with the right information and the rescue kit which can start to reverse an overdose before help can arrive. In many cases by the time that rescue personnel arrive it is too late because of how fast an overdose death can occur. When loved ones are taught the signs of an overdose and they understand what steps to take and how to use a naloxene rescue kit the odds of the individual surviving the opioid overdose are greatly increased. Many opioid deaths could be prevented if the medical resources and knowledge is available to those who are on hand when an overdose happens. Many police agencies and other first responders are also being trained and receiving the rescue kits as well.
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A new study by Case Western Reserve has shown that social activities may help with relapse prevention from teen substance abuse. The right social activities can help addicted teens recover and make a successful transition back into the real world. The study was performed by Maria Pagano, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry, and it involved a group of around 200 teens who had been admitted for residential substance abuse treatment in the northeastern part of the USA. The adolescents involved in the study had displayed moderate to severe social anxiety issues for a year or more before the teen substance abuse started. Around 42% of the participants studied admitted to severe social fears, and around 15% of the study participants met the criteria for a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder.
Professor Pagano discussed the study on relapse prevention and teen substance abuse, saying “Drinking and drug use relieved a pervasive sense of not fitting in for many youths addicted to alcohol and illicit drugs, and hypersensitivity to criticism is common. The incidence of higher rates of heroin use among young adults living in this region is distressing. A sense of belonging is important to live sober and to thrive, and 12-step service offers a venue for those impaired by social anxiety. Low-intensity service is a more gentle way for youths to feel like they belong and to connect with other people who are facing similar challenges. Getting active in helping others through AA motivates them to stay long enough to benefit from other AA activities and increase their chances of turning their life around toward a positive life trajectory.”
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An accurate diagnosis can be difficult when it comes to bipolar disorder, and there are a few subtypes within this disorder as well. The 3 main subtypes of this condition and the main characteristics of each subtype include:
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Bipolar I Disorder- This is also referred to as a mixed episode or simply mania. Usually individuals who have this sub category of bipolar disorder will experience the lows of depression along with the highs of mania. This category can include symptoms which can become very severe at times, and the condition can be devastating and take years for proper management and recovery.
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Bipolar II Disorder- This sub category may also be called hypomania and depression. These individuals do not experience manic episodes which are full blown and out of control, although they may exhibit some signs of the manic phase of the mental disorder. Severe depression is one of the most dangerous symptoms when an individual has this type of bipolar disorder and there is an accurate diagnosis.
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Cyclothymia- This sub category involves mild depression and hypomania, so the symptoms of both phases are not as severe or life changing. The mood swings and emotional changes experienced by these individuals are usually cyclical in nature.
Someone who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, regardless of the sub category used in the accurate diagnosis, can experience difficulty in every area of life. School, work, home, and relationships can all be damaged as a result of the mental disorder. With the proper treatment this condition can be managed and the individual can lead a full and productive life once more.
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Everyone has mood swings, and some may experience these with greater frequency or severity than others, but when do these ups and downs qualify as bipolar disorder? The difference between the usual highs and lows of life and this mental disorder is the severity and the frequency of the changes. Someone who has bipolar disorder will go from deeply depressed to being euphoric and full of energy, and treatment usually consists of mood stabilizer drugs in order to minimize the swing of the emotional pendulum. In order to be diagnosed with a mental disorder the episodes of unusual thoughts and behaviors usually must last days at least. Everyone is going to be somewhat depressed when certain negative events occur, and we would all be full of energy and excitement if we won a large amount of money in the lottery.
If you or someone you know suffers from severe mood swings and you are concerned that the problem may be bipolar disorder then there are a few things you can do. Start keeping a journal of your feelings, emotions, and activities. Record when you start to get low or when you seem to be full of energy and have an inflated sense of self esteem. This will help any mental health professionals that you consult for treatment come up with an accurate diagnosis of the conditions involved. If depression or the other extreme seem to create problems in your life then mental health treatment should be sought. Whether it is just severe mood swings or bipolar depression there is help available if you are just willing to reach out and ask for it.
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1. If you need help for problems with drugs or alcohol abuse then the first place that you need to look is your health insurance coverage. Some policies will cover specific types of methods or certain facilities or programs. Be prepared though, because there are many policies which do not provide effective treatment in this area.
2. If you do not have health insurance and you need substance abuse treatment then there may be state and government programs which may help pay for this type of help. Do some research and determine which government programs you may be eligible for and then apply to these programs.
3. Ask friends and family for financial help. No wants wants to ask for money but your recovery needs to be the top priority at this point. Most family members and close friends will want to help you get better, and you may be surprised at how fast you can afford effective treatment when the cost is spread out among several people.
4. If you do not have health insurance coverage then there may be charitable organizations which offer treatment for drug or alcohol abuse or who will help to pay the cost for another facility or program. Check out which charities help with this type of need in your community and then contact these organizations.
5. If you can not afford inpatient substance abuse treatment there are free programs n an outpatient basis that can be used. Many AA and NA groups hold daily meetings which do not have any cost to attend. Outpatient counseling may also be offered at a reduced cost or even free of charge.
