Latest news with #CharlieHealth
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Data shows medication-assisted treatment works for opioid use disorder—so why aren't more people getting it?
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a treatable but potentially life-threatening condition. Yet millions of people still lack access to the most effective treatment options. According to recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medications for OUD, especially buprenorphine and methadone, can significantly reduce the risk of overdose and improve long-term health outcomes. Despite this, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) remains widely underused. In 2022, an estimated 9.4 million U.S. adults needed treatment for OUD, but only one in four (25.1%) received evidence-based MAT, according to the CDC. Nearly half (42.7%) didn't even perceive a need for treatment, which highlights how misinformation, stigma, and systemic barriers continue to shape access to care. Access to MAT is also far from equitable. CDC data shows that white adults are more likely to receive these medications than Black or Hispanic adults, and men are more likely to access them than women. Adults aged 35-49 had higher rates of medication use than their younger or older peers. The disparities go deeper: People with lower incomes, those who are unemployed, and individuals involved in the criminal legal system had the highest need for OUD treatment. At the same time, they were among the least likely to receive medication-based care, according to the CDC. These gaps underscore the urgent need for more equitable, accessible MAT programs. To better understand the treatment gap, Charlie Health examined the latest research on medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including how they work, who they reach, and who's still being left behind. CDC data shows that in 2022, nearly one-third of people with OUD (30%) received treatment without medication—an approach used more often than MAT, even though it's less effective at lowering the risk of overdose. Encouragingly, individuals with severe OUD were significantly more likely to receive medication-based treatment than those with mild or moderate cases, according to a 2021 national study. Concerns about medication safety sometimes prevent people or providers from pursuing MAT. But data consistently shows that MAT is safe, even for people with co-occurring physical health issues. A 2024 study found no increase in ER visits or hospitalizations among people with congestive heart failure who received MAT, supporting its safety across populations with different conditions. Expanding access to MAT in rural areas can be life-changing for those with OUD, especially since people struggling with opioid addiction in rural areas face disproportionate barriers to care. A 2022 study of a Colorado pilot program—which trained 15 new providers and delivered care to more than 1,000 patients—found that, after six months, participants reported reduced opioid, heroin, and alcohol use, along with better physical and mental health. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain all decreased. Programs that make MAT more accessible don't just improve health outcomes; they also reduce healthcare costs. In Vermont, Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in the state's "Hub & Spoke" program (which expanded access to MAT) had lower ER use and fewer hospitalizations than those who received treatment without medication, research shows. These findings support policy approaches that invest in MAT for OUD not just as a clinical best practice but as a cost-saving public health strategy. The national study conducted in 2021 found that people who accessed care via telehealth were 38 times more likely to receive MAT for OUD than those who didn't. This suggests that virtual care can play a critical role in overcoming geographic or logistical barriers, especially for people in rural or underserved areas. This story was produced by Charlie Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
New York Times
25-03-2025
- Health
- New York Times
5 Books on Healing From Trauma
When Gabor Maté was in his 40s and a successful doctor in Vancouver, Canada, he struggled with depression and strained relationships. Picking up 'The Drama of the Gifted Child,' by Alice Miller, was the first step to understanding the root of his problems. 'A good book gives you a map to yourself,' said Dr. Maté, now a trauma researcher and author of 'The Myth of Normal.' While reading Dr. Miller's book, his experiences started to make sense. 'My depression, my self-loathing,' he explained, were a result of early childhood trauma. Trauma is a deeply distressing experience that leaves lasting effects on a person's thoughts, emotions and behavior. It rewires both the body and mind and shapes overall health. Research shows, however, that the right tools can help us regulate our emotions and rebuild a sense of safety. Many people are hungry for books that explore trauma: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk's 'The Body Keeps the Score' has sold more than three million copies globally and spent more than six years total on the New York Times best-seller list. But there are other works that can help us make sense of negative experiences. The five titles below were recommended by neuroscientists, psychologists and trauma specialists as sources to help you understand and process trauma. 'What Happened to You?' by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey Ms. Winfrey and Dr. Perry blend science and storytelling in this 2021 book, encouraging readers to reframe the question, 'What's wrong with me?' and instead ask, 'What happened to me?' Caroline Fenkel, chief clinical officer and a founder of Charlie Health, said that after reading the book, her clients 'experience more self-compassion and a sense of agency.' And, for some people, Ms. Winfrey's star power makes discussing trauma more accessible, said Heath Hightower, an assistant professor of social work at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Conn. He recommended the book to a trauma survivor who then took steps toward recovery because Ms. Winfrey had been forthcoming about her experience of childhood abuse. Reading the book, he said, helped his client unpack her own abuse and release shame. 'No Bad Parts' by Richard C. Schwartz Lauren Auer, a trauma therapist in Peoria, Ill., said that this 2021 book is a 'go-to for clients struggling with inner criticism.' In it, Dr. Schwartz introduces internal family systems, a therapeutic model that encourages people to view their minds as having distinct parts or sub-personalities, 'each with its own emotions, voice and protective mechanisms shaped by our life experiences,' said Mollie Candib, a therapist based in New York City. 'When difficult emotions such as anger, shame or guilt arise, our instinct is often to push them away,' Ms. Candib said. Instead, Dr. Schwartz recommends addressing each part individually in order to cultivate deeper self-compassion. His self-inquiry exercise, for example, encourages readers to home in on the specific part of themselves that is feeling a certain way, and to listen without judgment. One of Ms. Auer's clients began to see her anxiety as 'a well-intentioned protector' after reading this book, she said. 'It was one of those beautiful therapy moments that reminds me why I do this work.' 'Trauma and Recovery' by Judith L. Herman This book, published in 1992, is 'an underrated and pivotal text for understanding trauma,' said Prentis Hemphill, a therapist and the author of 'What It Takes to Heal.' Dr. Herman explores the political and social aspects of trauma, said Hemphill, who uses they/them pronouns. 'Survivors of all kinds articulate their experiences,' Hemphill said of the book. Dr. Herman also presents a framework for recovering from trauma that unfolds in three stages: establishing safety, processing the past and rebuilding connections, said Anita Webster, a counselor based in Houston. This framework is especially useful for anyone recovering from interpersonal trauma, including abuse and assault, she added, 'because it provides a clear, research-based understanding of how trauma affects survivors psychologically and socially, particularly when harm is inflicted by someone they trusted.' 'Waking the Tiger' by Peter A. Levine with Ann Frederick In 'Waking the Tiger,' published in 1997, Dr. Levine introduces somatic experiencing, a therapeutic approach that is aimed at helping the body to release trauma by addressing patterns of fight, flight or freeze. He looks to the animal kingdom to illustrate how trauma affects humans: When an impala escapes a predator, it may start shaking as a way to release and move past the experience. But, Dr. Levine argues, when we become stuck in post-traumatic shock, we suppress that natural response. His explanation of how the nervous system responds to traumatic experiences 'is huge for helping my clients depersonalize trauma,' said Emma Kobil, a trauma counselor based in Denver. 'When we are on guard or shut down, these reactions aren't irrational,' she said. 'They're biological survival responses.' 'It Didn't Start With You' by Mark Wolynn This 2016 book 'feels almost mystical in how it connects dots between our present struggles and our family histories,' Ms. Auer explained. Her clients experience immense relief, she said, when they learn that their struggles may be inherited from previous generations. In the book, Dr. Wolynn offers tools like the core language map, which help readers recognize how certain emotionally charged words can be passed down. In one example from the book, a man noticed how his mother repeated 'We are cursed in love,' which reinforced a narrative of abandonment. Tools like these 'illuminate secret family trauma,' even when the original trauma isn't openly discussed, said Dr. Hightower.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Group support might be the key to managing ADHD—here's the data
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in the U.S., affecting an estimated 6% of adults and nearly twice that percentage of children (11.4%). Despite its prevalence, ADHD is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions that experts say can negatively impact well-being and treatment outcomes. While individual therapy and medication can help treat ADHD, research shows that connecting with others who share similar experiences offers additional support. A 2024 review of eight studies on group treatments for ADHD found positive participant experiences in all of them. Participants expressed satisfaction in the groups, and most reported improvements in ADHD symptoms, mental health, and quality of life after receiving group support. That said, research on group interventions for ADHD is still evolving. While existing studies highlight their potential benefits, more work is needed to determine best practices and long-term effectiveness. Still, the findings align with a broader body of research showing that peer support can be a powerful tool for managing mental health conditions. To better understand the role of group support for people with ADHD, Charlie Health looked at the research—exploring how groups can help people navigate ADHD symptoms, build coping strategies, and foster a sense of community. As mentioned, there are many effective treatments for managing ADHD symptoms individually, but group support may offer greater long-term benefits. A 2015 study comparing group psychotherapy, or GPT, and individual clinical management, or CM, for adults with ADHD found that while both treatments showed similar effectiveness after three months, GPT was more effective than CM in overall treatment outcomes after a year. This highlights the potential lasting value of group support for those managing ADHD. ADHD therapy groups can also help improve mindfulness, which has been shown to improve symptoms like inattention and emotional regulation. A 2022 study, which evaluated a group-based therapy protocol designed for adults with ADHD, found the strongest benefit in mindfulness meditation. Three-quarters of participants (75%) considered mindfulness meditation "quite helpful" or "very helpful" in coping with the condition, making it the highest-rated component of treatment. This suggests that incorporating mindfulness into ADHD therapy groups may offer a practical and effective tool for managing symptoms. As noted, many consider ADHD to be a neurodivergent condition—part of a broader group of conditions that result in cognitive functioning or behaviors that differ from what is considered typical. Research shows that many people with ADHD feel misunderstood by neurotypical individuals, but connecting with others who have the condition online helps them feel more understood. A 2023 study found that platforms like TikTok offered valuable support for adults with ADHD. Participants reported gaining a better understanding of their condition and feeling empowered to embrace their ADHD identity. This sense of connection and shared experience highlights the importance of group support in helping individuals feel seen and understood in their ADHD journey—even outside of formal therapy settings. Since ADHD is so common among children, support for caregivers can be just as vital as support for those with the condition. A 2012 to 2015 study examining families in a year-long ADHD group program found that the sessions helped caregivers better understand ADHD and strengthen their relationships with their children. Children in the study also reported learning helpful skills for home and school, and facilitators noted that the group visits gave them a clearer understanding of families' needs, improved care, and opened new ways to engage with families. These results demonstrate the efficacy of ADHD groups for families and facilitators alike. Coping with ADHD can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help manage symptoms and improve well-being. Keep in mind that these approaches may vary from person to person, and finding what works for you is key. Here are a few strategies for coping with ADHD: Create structures and routines A structured routine can help bring some order to your day and minimize distractions. Simple practices like setting reminders, creating to-do lists, and breaking tasks into smaller steps can improve productivity and reduce stress. Incorporating regular times for rest, meals, and exercise into your routine can also help you stay grounded. Recognize your strengths and challenges ADHD can affect different people in different ways, so it's important to acknowledge both your strengths and the areas where you struggle more. ADHD might make it harder for you to focus, stay organized, or control impulses, but many people with ADHD also possess unique abilities, like creativity, problem-solving skills, and high energy. Embrace these strengths while working to manage the challenges ADHD brings. Seek support Coping with ADHD can feel isolating, but connecting with others who understand you can provide comfort and encouragement. Whether through support groups or online communities, sharing your experiences with others can help you feel understood and validated. Talking to family members or close friends about your ADHD can also strengthen your support network. If you're feeling overwhelmed by ADHD symptoms, working with a mental health professional can provide you with personalized strategies and tools for managing the condition. This story was produced by Charlie Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Yes, politics is worsening people's mental health—Here's what the data shows
Amid growing political polarization and ongoing national crises, politics has become a significant source of stress for many Americans. In fact, a national survey on stressors conducted by the American Psychological Association, or APA, in 2024 found that the future of the nation was the leading cause of significant stress among adults, with nearly eight in 10 (77%) reporting it as a major source of anxiety. The same study found that the increasingly strained political climate in the United States has prompted around two in five adults to consider moving to a different country (41%) or a different state (39%). While political stress is often linked to other stressors—like mass shootings and housing costs—it is a distinct form of anxiety. A survey published last year found that political anxiety and generalized anxiety are different, showing how politics can cause worry and apprehension even for those without general anxiety. People have translated at least some of this increased emotional turmoil into action. Negative emotions in response to daily politics motivated participants in a 2023 study to engage in political actions such as protesting or volunteering. Similarly, half of adults (51%) said they feel compelled to take political action as a result of their stress about the future of the nation—a significant increase from the 45% who said so in 2019, the APA found. As politics continue to take center stage in many Americans' lives, it's important to examine the data and understand its impact on mental well-being. To do so, Charlie Health looked at the numbers, including data on the growing emotional toll of political stress, and its impact on family relationships and physical well-being. In two diary studies from 2023, researchers tracked participants' daily emotional and behavioral responses to political events. They found that politics triggered at least some negative emotions in people on the vast majority (81%) of days surveyed. On those days, participants' psychological and physical well-being worsened, with people reporting higher levels of fatigue, sickness, dissatisfaction with life, and depression. A significant portion of people with severe mental health conditions report that the current political climate exacerbates their struggles, according to one study. In fact, 75% of Charlie Health clients surveyed in January 2025 agree that the current political climate negatively impacts their mental health. As a result, over half (57%) try to avoid political discussions, highlighting the emotional toll these conversations can take. One respondent shared, "Politics is extremely detrimental to my emotional well-being. Discussions of current political affairs fill me with overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, despair, anger, and depression, and worsen my suicidal urges." That politics negatively affects well-being is not a new discovery. An earlier study, conducted in 2017 and matched to nationally representative data, found that the public health impacts of politics are comparable to or worse than those associated with alcohol. Based on responses, researchers estimated that 94 million Americans felt politics caused significant stress, 44 million lost sleep, 30 million suffered physical health harm, and 11 million had suicidal thoughts—effects comparable to or worse than those associated with alcohol. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or are in danger of harming yourself, this is a mental health emergency. Contact The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988. One of the researchers of the aforementioned study re-surveyed people in 2020 and compared the findings, concluding that health worsened for many between 2017 and 2020. The most significant changes were concentrated in physical health impacts, including worsened stress, fatigue, and sleep loss. However, these effects weren't felt among all people equally—younger, politically engaged individuals reported the most significant changes in well-being. Also, the effects weren't just physical. Survey data also revealed statistically significant increases in thinking about politics more than desired, as well as family problems caused by politics. These findings are similar to those in the APA study, which concluded that about one in three people reported the political climate strained family relationships (32%) and limited family interactions due to differing values (30%). It's not just political events that can impact mental health. Believing that polarization has increased since 2014 (as many experts do) is linked with increased anxiety and depression, according to one nationally representative study. The study found that people perceiving increased polarization in recent years had up to 57% higher odds of developing anxiety and depressive disorders. High perceptions of state-level polarization (both among voters and elected officials) were also associated with a higher likelihood of depressive and sleep disorders. Political stress may persist for many amid increasing polarization and global crises, but there are steps you can take to protect your well-being. Here are a few practical strategies for managing political stress: Be mindful of exposure to political content Research consistently shows that exposure to constant news cycles and social media updates can heighten stress. Consider setting specific times to check the news, limiting your social media use, or curating your feed. Reducing exposure can help prevent information overload and lower anxiety levels. Engage in productive political action Redirecting feelings of helplessness or frustration about political issues into action can give you a sense of control and purpose. Consider volunteering with a local organization, educating others on political issues, or taking action with a group that shares your values. Channeling energy into positive change can help mitigate feelings of powerlessness. Seek support If political stress starts to feel overwhelming, don't hesitate to reach out for support, including from a trusted friend or supportive community. In the event that political stress starts to interfere with daily well-being, though, it might be important to consider professional help. Talking to a licensed mental health professional can make it easier to cope with politics-related mental health concerns. This story was produced by Charlie Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
