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addiction, the various populations at risk for the disease, current statistics and trends, and
psychological disorders that often accompany addiction. You will also find information on spotting
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In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer information on
outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of care. In this section, you
will find information and resources related to evidence-based treatment models, counseling and
therapy and payment and insurance options.
Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the
individual. In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer
information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of
care. In this section, you will find information and resources related to evidence-based
treatment models, counseling and therapy and payment and insurance options.
The recovery process doesn't end after 90 days of treatment. The transition back to
life outside of rehab is fraught with the potential for relapse. Aftercare resources such as
12-step groups, sober living homes and support for family and friends promote a life rich with
rewarding relationships and meaning.
Our community offers unique perspectives on lifelong recovery and substance use
prevention, empowering others through stories of strength and courage. From people in active
recovery to advocates who have lost loved ones to the devastating disease of addiction, our
community understands the struggle and provides guidance born of personal experience.
Democrats and Republicans are working together to combat America’s opioid epidemic.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with Democratic Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam at a June 30 town hall meeting to discuss solutions to the growing drug abuse problem in Appalachia.
The town hall included discussions on Medicaid expansion as well as solutions to opioid abuse. Both governors see benefits in additional treatment, prescription monitoring, drug-related education and new economic prospects.
They also spoke in depth about the benefit of drug courts. Haslam believes alternatives to incarceration can have a lasting impact on addiction recovery.
“I’m a big believer in drug courts, and we’ve put a lot of money into dramatically expanding the amount of drug courts so judges had alternatives when somebody came before them beyond just sentencing,” Haslam told WJHL-TV.
Haslam and McAuliffe have witnessed the tragedies caused by opioid abuse. In Virginia, 980 people died of drug overdose in 2014, nearly 130 more than in the previous year, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Tennessee, 1,269 people died of drug overdose in 2014 — more than Utah, Vermont and New Hampshire combined.
Other states in the region face similar problems. Drug overdose deaths in other Appalachian states in 2014 include:
Kentucky: 1,077
Alabama: 723
West Virginia: 627
“It’s everybody’s problem,” McAuliffe told the Associated Press.
Vilsack, a former Iowa governor, knows the consequences of substance abuse all too well. His mother battled addictions to alcohol and prescription pills when he was a child.
“I may not have every experience that families dealing with this today have, but I’ve had many of them,” he told Time. “And I can certainly understand it from the perspective of a child.”
President Obama tapped Vilsack to lead the fight against opioid abuse in rural communities. Vilsack is tasked with raising awareness and forging creative partnerships to defeat the opioid epidemic in the region.
Drug Abuse Linked to Decline of Coal Industry
Unemployment may contribute to Appalachia’s drug problem.
The region’s coal industry, a major source of jobs, is diminishing. Appalachian residents blame Obama’s plan of limiting air pollution and investing more in sustainable jobs for rapid unemployment.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a decline in coal production by 28 percent in May compared to the same time last year. The agency forecasts a 17 percent decline in 2016, marking the largest decrease since 1949.
Declining production contributes to joblessness. West Virginia has the fourth-worst unemployment rate in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Mississippi have high rates as well.
“If we can get the jobs here, I think it can reduce a lot of this drug addiction,” McAuliffe said.
Vilsack says the stigma of addiction in small towns keeps people from seeking help. Many are embarrassed to admit the problem to family members or neighbors. This leads to worsening symptoms and possible death.
Vilsack maintained that both bills lacked adequate cash. He said additional funds would create more treatment centers and train hundreds of psychologists and physicians in drug treatment.
Obama’s proposal would cover much ground. Over two years, Vilsack says funds would allocate up to $17 million to Virginia, $24 million to Tennessee, $10 million to West Virginia and $18 million to Kentucky.
Obama is expected to sign the compromise bill into law this summer. In the meantime, Vilsack will take his opioid conference tour to Missouri next month.
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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Bagalman, E. & Sacco, L.N. (2016, May 23). The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (S.524): Comparison of Senate and House-Passed Versions. Retrieved from https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44493.pdf
Harris, G. (2016, July 6). Congress Splits Over Bill Aimed at Nation’s Opioid Epidemic. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/07/us/politics/congress-to-hash-out-final-bill-aimed-at-opioid-epidemic.html
Mattise, J. (2016, June 30). Vilsack, McAuliffe, Haslam convene on drug abuse issue. Retrieved from http://www.bigstory.ap.org/article/29e785f3d47d419ea7012eaa53f9cffd/vilsack-mcauliffe-haslam-convene-drug-abuse-issue
Rhodan, M. (2016, February 8). Meet the Man Leading the Fight Against Opioids. Retrieved from http://time.com/4211759/white-house-opioids-tom-vilsack/
Soto, J. (2016, June 30). Haslam and McAuliffe attend opioid town hall meeting. Retrieved from http://wjhl.com/2016/06/30/haslam-and-mcauliffe-attend-opioid-town-hall-meeting/
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