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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.
Following the recent surge in opioid abuse in central New York, experts demanded a rigorous plan to combat the epidemic at a Sept. 29 panel discussion held at University College of Syracuse University.
By October, central New York’s poison control centers had already received more than 550 reports of opioid overdoses, compared to 355 calls in 2014, according to Syracuse.com. Similarly, the number of individuals in central New York seeking substance abuse treatment at Crouse Hospital is expected to exceed 320 by the end of 2016, more than twice the number of people who sought treatment there in 2013.
In the meeting, sponsored by the University College of Syracuse University, experts in law enforcement, addiction treatment and substance abuse prevention expressed their concerns about the growing opioid and heroin epidemic in the area.
“We’re dealing with a radical problem and we need some radical solutions,” said Erin Bortel, director of prevention services at ACR Health, a community-based nonprofit that assists people with substance use disorders and other chronic diseases.
One possible solution is establishing community facilities for supervised drug use. Bortel also highlighted the importance of increasing access to medication-assisted therapy.
Heroin-Assisted Treatment an Option
In September 2016, the Canadian government approved of medical heroin to treat severe cases of substance abuse, citing the method as a necessary tool to fight against the opioid epidemic. Canadian health experts believe that treating patients with prescription-grade heroin will produce better results for the patients’ health.
Earlier this year, Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick proposed opening a supervised drug use facility where individuals suffering from substance use disorders can use drugs under the supervision of doctors. An approval of the proposal would establish the second supervised injection facility in North America, the first being in Vancouver, Canada.
Bortel mentioned that a second meeting was scheduled to discuss the option of establishing supervised drug use facilities in the state of New York. However, lawmakers in the United States typically frown upon these facilities.
Law enforcement officials disagreed with a Californian lawmaker’s proposal to create a supervised drug use facility in April 2016. They were concerned that the initiative would contribute to more substance abuse.
Wider access to medication-assisted treatment for addiction could also prove beneficial in tackling the opioid epidemic.
Mark Raymond, manager of Crouse Hospital’s treatment program, supports the use of medication-assisted treatment. He explains that patients face a greater risk of overdose if they quit drugs without the assistance of doctors and medication.
Raymond also clarified a common misconception about medication-assisted treatment. He explained that drugs such as Suboxone, naltrexone and methadone do not produce a feeling of euphoria in the patient. Instead, they block opioid receptors to prevent euphoria or reduce cravings.
Naloxone Is Not a Cure
Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, saves countless lives daily. The drug is risk-free with no potential for abuse and no harmful effects if administered to someone not overdosing on opioids.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioid overdoses claim the lives of 78 Americans daily. With the booming opioid and heroin epidemic, naloxone’s use has become more frequent. However, naloxone can be a double-edged sword.
A 2016 New York Times article explained critics are concerned that naloxone provides a safety net to drug users. Because they know naloxone will save them from an overdose, they tend to take more risks in their drug-using practices.
But advocates of the drug argue that naloxone gives an individual the chance to seek substance abuse treatment. With no evidence of a link between naloxone and the increased use of opioids , it is arguable that naloxone is more beneficial than not. In fact, naloxone is known to ruin the opioid users’ highs and can potentially make them ill.
“Receiving naloxone not only reverses the overdose, it also reverses the euphoria and withdrawal relief that the opioid user is seeking,” said Dr. Alexander Walley, an addiction medicine specialist at Boston Medical Center. “Thus, it is only used as a last resort.”
With the effects of naloxone dissipating 10 to 90 minutes after administration, the drug is only a temporary solution. Substance users require further treatment to recover from drug addiction.
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.
Maddox, K. (2016, September 29). CNY heroin epidemic: Syracuse experts say area needs ‘radical solutions’.
Noon, A. (2016, April 5). A lawmaker wants to allow California addicts to use heroin, crack and other drugs at supervised facilities to cut down on overdoses.
Seelye, K.Q. (2016, July 27). Naloxone Saves Lives, but Is No Cure in Heroin Epidemic.
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