Latest news with #SubstanceUseDisorder
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kentucky bourbon raking in money doesn't mean we can ignore alcohol's risks
Brian Edwards' op-ed ('Kentucky's bourbon business is vital to our economy. Don't let DC dry it up") seems wrongheaded. If there is a near-prohibition lobby as he claims, I, too, would disagree and think them Menken's Puritans. While I will make the argument for consumption here, doing so on economic grounds for a substance that the National Institutes for Health estimates costs the nation $249 billion and results in 178,000 annual deaths according to the Center for Disease Control seems antithetical. To start, the science is clear: 'We cannot talk about a so-called safe level of alcohol use. It doesn't matter how much you drink – the risk to the drinker's health starts from the first drop of any alcoholic beverage. The only thing that we can say for sure is that the more you drink, the more harmful it is … the less you drink, the safer it is' (Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges, World Health Organization, 2022). Further, the purported health benefits of alcohol use have been repudiated. From JAMA ('Association of Habitual Alcohol Intake With Risk of Cardiovascular Disease', March 2022): 'Observational studies have repeatedly demonstrated a lower risk of cardiovascular disease with light to moderate alcohol intake compared with either abstinence or heavy consumption, suggesting J- or U-shaped epidemiologic associations. However, the observed cardiac benefits of alcohol have been hypothesized to be the product of residual confounding (variables) because of favorable lifestyle, socioeconomic and behavioral factors that tend to coincide with modest alcohol intake.' In sum, there is no safe use and no cardiovascular benefit of alcohol. Opinion: COVID isn't over. RFK Jr.'s vaccine recommendation is a terrible choice. However, there is evidence of human use of alcohol from 900,000 years ago, and alcohol is a well-established part of life in America. The National Academies notes that many alcohol-containing beverages provide flavors and sensations that people enjoy, and the effect on how we act and respond in social situations are two of several reasons for widespread alcohol use in our culture. Concerning responsible drinking, the data are split. The United States Census Bureau estimates that there are 258.3 million adult Americans. The National Institutes for Health estimates that 63% use alcohol at least on occasion, or 177 million Americans imbibe. Among these, the Centers for Disease Control estimates 29.6% of young adults and over 10% of seniors binge drink by consuming toxic amounts in one sitting. The CDC estimates that there are, separately, 15 million heavy drinkers who drink beyond moderation every week. The NIH estimates that there are 54 million Americans who need treatment for Substance Use Disorder. Let's use some rough, back of the envelope math, allowing that the groups defined above overlap, let us say that we have at least 100 million Americans who drink responsibly but very many who do not. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines moderate drinking as two drinks per day and seven per week for men and one drink per day and four a week for women (alcohol is on the whole metabolized differently by gender). A standard drink is 12 ounces of beer at 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), 5 ounces of wine at 12% ABV, or 1.5 ounces of spirits at 40% ABV. Opinion: Share Parkland's present, shape its future at Courier Journal mobile newsroom Concerning risk, it is also true that Americans take similar and more severe risks than alcohol use on a regular basis. For instance, Driving Test America estimates that in 2021 Americans drove cars and light trucks 3 trillion miles. These drivers are guided by rules of the road and formal laws that guide their driving behavior, and the manufacture of automobiles is very regulated for safety purposes. Nonetheless, there were 6.1 million vehicular crashes, resulting in 1.7 million injuries and 39.3 thousand deaths in 2021. This analogy falls apart at some point, as all do, but the point is made that alcohol use is not the only widely popular, risk-taking behavior in America. Applause to Mr. Edwards for contributing to the public debate. We would agree about a near-prohibition agenda if, as he says, such exists. America and most of Europe have tried prohibition. We know how that ends. Further, regulating the amount of consumption would be a regulatory nightmare. However, holding up the economic benefit as a reason to ignore the science is not the way to go. Better for the alcoholic beverage industry to recognize and promote responsible use and take those steps within their ken to reduce heavy and binge drinking. A market of 100 million American adults should suffice. For the nation as a whole, increasing access to treatment would be a far better use of our time and treasure. Agree or disagree? Submit a letter to the editor. Gene Gilchrist is the chief executive officer for Stay Clean, a cloud-based addiction treatment and recovery community. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky shouldn't ignore alcohol's health risks for profit | Opinion
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas legislators propose a bill to alleviate the opioid crisis
PALESTINE, Texas (KETK) – An East Texas State legislator is pushing for a bill that would support veterans who are facing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) 5-year-old hit by sedan in Carthage, officials investigating East Texas State Representative Cody Harris of Palestine has proposed HB 3717 which would provide $50 million in private and public funding for research into ibogaine-assisted therapy. The therapy focuses on working with veterans who are suffering from (OUD) or Substance Use Disorder (SUD) along with other neurological and mental health conditions. Harris spoke about how the bill could transform the lives of many veterans across the state by giving them a second chance through recovery from addiction. 'This bill puts Texas at the forefront of medical innovation and personal freedom by cutting through federal red tape and supporting life-saving research that could give our veterans and countless others a second chance. We can't afford to wait —Texas must lead the way,' Harris said. Click here to learn more about HB 3717 through the Texas Legislature online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
27-02-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Unite Us Receives Grant to Combat Ohio's Opioid Crisis and Expand Recovery Services in Montgomery County
Funding from OneOhio Recovery Foundation will drive technology-enabled recovery services and increase access to critical support for Ohioans impacted by Substance Use Disorder Dayton, Ohio--(Newsfile Corp. - February 27, 2025) - Unite Us, the nation's leading technology partner for social care transformation, has been awarded a grant from the OneOhio Recovery Foundation to strengthen opioid abatement efforts in Montgomery County. This grant will enhance the Unite Ohio network, a statewide coordinated care network, to provide critical recovery services for residents of Ohio affected by opioid addiction. Through a powerful partnership with CliniSync, Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) and Unite Us, this initiative will use Unite Us' care coordination platform and data and analytics tools, to improve data sharing and connect healthcare providers, local government agencies, and community-based organizations (CBOs) to deliver timely, effective support to those in need. The technology will help ensure that individuals battling addiction receive the right care at the right time, streamlining recovery pathways. 'At Unite Us, we are dedicated to ensuring individuals facing addiction can access the care and support they need, when they need it,' said Taylor Justice, co-founder and president of Unite Us. 'This grant enables us to strengthen collaboration across healthcare and community organizations in Montgomery County, leveraging technology to remove barriers to recovery. By integrating our platform with CliniSync's Health Information Exchange, we can enhance data sharing, streamline care coordination, and improve outcomes for individuals and families impacted by the opioid crisis.' A Proven Model for Success The growth of Unite Ohio builds on a successful opioid reduction model launched in Summit County. Led by County Executive Ilene Shapiro in 2023, this initiative leveraged Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) settlement funds and has since become a statewide blueprint for technology-driven collaboration in addiction recovery. The success of Unite Ohio has been greatly supported by key partners like CliniSync, MetroHealth, Cleveland Clinic, and Summit County. Their early adoption of Unite Us' technology has played a crucial role in establishing coordinated care solutions across the state. Their leadership continues to influence Ohio's comprehensive strategy for addressing the opioid crisis. A Statewide Commitment to Recovery This grant is part of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation's $51 million inaugural funding cycle, which supports statewide initiatives in prevention, treatment, and recovery. With funding requests far exceeding available resources, this partnership with Unite Us underscores the urgent need for scalable, tech-driven solutions to combat the opioid crisis. 'Across Ohio, organizations like Unite Us are working tirelessly to strengthen communities impacted by the opioid epidemic,' said Alisha Nelson, executive director of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation. 'We're pleased to partner with Unite Us to support their efforts to save lives, rebuild families affected by addiction, and foster strong and resilient places to live.' For more details on the grant recipients and future funding opportunities, visit About Unite Us: Unite Us is the nation's premier technology provider for transforming social care. Our advanced product suite is used to proactively coordinate services using data-driven insights, streamline referral and case management, and facilitate eligibility assessments and reimbursements across government, healthcare, health plans, and community organizations. The first of its kind, our closed-loop referral system prioritizes privacy and dignity and has integrated data and analytics tools used to measure impact, optimize programs, and shape policy. With over 1.5M services, we host the nation's largest network of community-based health and social services dedicated to improving whole-person health. Learn more at and LinkedIn. Media Contact: About the OneOhio Recovery Foundation The OneOhio Recovery Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation created under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine and Attorney General Dave Yost, and other state and local leaders, with the mission of advancing Ohio's addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts now and into the future. The Foundation is governed by a 29-member board from across Ohio and is funded by 55 percent of settlement funds that Ohio is receiving from the pharmaceutical industry as a consequence of its role in the national opioid epidemic. Funds support local efforts to prevent and combat addiction and are also invested to support those efforts for the long term.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Unite Us Receives Grant to Combat Ohio's Opioid Crisis and Expand Recovery Services in Montgomery County
Funding from OneOhio Recovery Foundation will drive technology-enabled recovery services and increase access to critical support for Ohioans impacted by Substance Use Disorder Dayton, Ohio--(Newsfile Corp. - February 27, 2025) - Unite Us, the nation's leading technology partner for social care transformation, has been awarded a grant from the OneOhio Recovery Foundation to strengthen opioid abatement efforts in Montgomery County. This grant will enhance the Unite Ohio network, a statewide coordinated care network, to provide critical recovery services for residents of Ohio affected by opioid addiction. Through a powerful partnership with CliniSync, Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) and Unite Us, this initiative will use Unite Us' care coordination platform and data and analytics tools, to improve data sharing and connect healthcare providers, local government agencies, and community-based organizations (CBOs) to deliver timely, effective support to those in need. The technology will help ensure that individuals battling addiction receive the right care at the right time, streamlining recovery pathways. "At Unite Us, we are dedicated to ensuring individuals facing addiction can access the care and support they need, when they need it," said Taylor Justice, co-founder and president of Unite Us. "This grant enables us to strengthen collaboration across healthcare and community organizations in Montgomery County, leveraging technology to remove barriers to recovery. By integrating our platform with CliniSync's Health Information Exchange, we can enhance data sharing, streamline care coordination, and improve outcomes for individuals and families impacted by the opioid crisis." A Proven Model for Success The growth of Unite Ohio builds on a successful opioid reduction model launched in Summit County. Led by County Executive Ilene Shapiro in 2023, this initiative leveraged Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) settlement funds and has since become a statewide blueprint for technology-driven collaboration in addiction recovery. The success of Unite Ohio has been greatly supported by key partners like CliniSync, MetroHealth, Cleveland Clinic, and Summit County. Their early adoption of Unite Us' technology has played a crucial role in establishing coordinated care solutions across the state. Their leadership continues to influence Ohio's comprehensive strategy for addressing the opioid crisis. A Statewide Commitment to Recovery This grant is part of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation's $51 million inaugural funding cycle, which supports statewide initiatives in prevention, treatment, and recovery. With funding requests far exceeding available resources, this partnership with Unite Us underscores the urgent need for scalable, tech-driven solutions to combat the opioid crisis. "Across Ohio, organizations like Unite Us are working tirelessly to strengthen communities impacted by the opioid epidemic," said Alisha Nelson, executive director of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation. "We're pleased to partner with Unite Us to support their efforts to save lives, rebuild families affected by addiction, and foster strong and resilient places to live." For more details on the grant recipients and future funding opportunities, visit About Unite Us: Unite Us is the nation's premier technology provider for transforming social care. Our advanced product suite is used to proactively coordinate services using data-driven insights, streamline referral and case management, and facilitate eligibility assessments and reimbursements across government, healthcare, health plans, and community organizations. The first of its kind, our closed-loop referral system prioritizes privacy and dignity and has integrated data and analytics tools used to measure impact, optimize programs, and shape policy. With over 1.5M services, we host the nation's largest network of community-based health and social services dedicated to improving whole-person health. Learn more at and LinkedIn. Media Contact: Unite Us communications@ About the OneOhio Recovery Foundation The OneOhio Recovery Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation created under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine and Attorney General Dave Yost, and other state and local leaders, with the mission of advancing Ohio's addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts now and into the future. The Foundation is governed by a 29-member board from across Ohio and is funded by 55 percent of settlement funds that Ohio is receiving from the pharmaceutical industry as a consequence of its role in the national opioid epidemic. Funds support local efforts to prevent and combat addiction and are also invested to support those efforts for the long term. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nancy Davis' Cure Addiction Now to Host First Fundraiser at Beverly Hills Hotel
Cure Addiction Now (CAN) will hold its first fundraising event on February 24 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The organization, founded by Nancy Davis, continues her long-standing commitment to healthcare philanthropy that began after her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis at age 33, which led her to establish Race to Erase MS—a charity that raised $56 million for MS co-founded CAN with her late son Jason, who struggled with opioid addiction for 12 years. Jason passed away from COVID-19 shortly after CAN received its 503c3 status. The upcoming fundraiser coincides with the fifth anniversary of his death and will honor his dedication to advancing scientific research on Substance Use Disorder (SUD)."He was the kind of kid who wanted to always help people. Always help people. He just got such a kick. There's nobody who he wouldn't help no matter what was happening, anytime a day," Davis has collaborated with medical experts from prestigious institutions including Mount Sinai, Harvard, Yale, UCLA, Scripps, University of Washington, UC Davis, Columbia, University of Kentucky, and The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The organization has funded 19 studies dedicated to SUD research, reflecting Davis's commitment to scientific approaches to addiction treatment. By studying addiction as both a mental and physical illness, CAN aims to reduce the stigma surrounding SUD. Davis explained, "I think forever, everybody's really been fixated on the idea because there's not been any research of growing for AA in the 12-step program. And if that works for you, that's amazing. I commend everyone for doing that. But it's it's based on something very spiritual, and it's not based on anything scientific. I'm a scientific person, and I really believe that we use medicine and we really study things, that we can come up with a lot of cures and a lot of treatments and different ways of treating people."The organization recently awarded an Innovation Grant to fund research on Belsomra, a non-narcotic sleeping pill that may help those with insomnia related to SUD while potentially reducing drug cravings. "We're in the middle of developing a better version of that too and keeping the part that makes you sleep at the same dosage, but the part that stopped your cravings, we're gonna we're doubling that part of the medication, and it will stop you, hopefully, between 80 and 100% from craving drugs," Davis Cure Addiction Now Inaugural Fundraising Evening will feature performances by Rufus Wainwright, Siedah Garrett, Scout Willis, Luke K, Madison Love, and Colin Love. An auction will also take place to support the 10 doctors to whom CAN grants $75,000 each response to recent L.A. wildfires, CAN plans to donate to a local center supporting SUD patients affected by the disaster, with a focus on youth who can no longer access treatment at their schools or community centers."People aren't paying attention about just how much the fires have affected so many people about a mental health problem or an addiction has made it 10 times worse."
