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Melissa Flynn is not an addiction researcher, but she understands how addiction can explode like a tornado and destroy families. Three years ago, an opioid overdose ended the life of his stepson, Nicholas.
A recent national survey found that only two states – New Hampshire and South Dakota – have seen their overdose decrease over the past year. Still, Flynn knows that our entire country still has miles to go to deal with this crisis.
“Addiction is a brain disease and it’s a family disease,” he said. “The person you love who is addicted is still that person you love. They are the same, but their brains have changed. Too many people do not see this truth.
Flynn said that while efforts to help people with substance use disorders and to reformulate the discussion on this health issue have made some progress, improvements need to continue. It relates to other parents who have suffered the same fate. She no longer only thinks about it, but is an advocate with a mission.
“I never understood the people who were called, until the funeral,” Flynn said. “I realize I’m imperfect, but I ask God to help me with my messages to others, so if I can help one person in the audience, even for a few minutes, it’s a victory.”
The addiction crisis in America
Flynn doesn’t punch: he sees the United States and its reality as a full-blown addiction crisis. Each city can do better by developing more resources for each addict. She is not alone
“If we can ensure that early education about addiction is taught in all schools, in all children, we can affect good change,” said Malia Holbeck, LCSW, LAC, outpatient manager of the Addiction Recovery Program. ‘Addiction of Avera. Other suggestions Holbeck recommends include:
- Make sure there are intervention tools along all points of the addiction journey
- Put antidose drugs like Narcan (Naloxone) everywhere, from schools and churches to buses and grocery stores
- Offer more 24/7 treatment evaluation options for addicts who want to start recovery
These starting points go back to the reason why so many people with substance use disorders face lonely and relapsed situations: mindsets that need to change.
“We can’t stop our exit from this crisis,” Flynn said. “We paint the person who is facing a substance use disorder with such a negative light in all our popular media. The bad guy is always a drug user or seller. We have to change our attitudes if we save lives. ”
Opening up can help everyone: people with substance use disorders, families who love them, co-workers and survivors. Resource usage can also be helpful.
“We spent more than ten years of the tornado that is addiction, and it took me a while to realize that I had to change my approaches,” he said. “Families joining the struggle can hope to do better.”
Working to change systems and minds, too
“An addiction economist I respect said we will overcome this challenge, we need 10 hands ready to help every hand he needs,” Flynn said. “That’s true. But it’s also important to find the best way to help your loved one.”
Holbeck echoed Flynn’s prospects. He said no two families are alike and therefore finding an approach requires careful management and a flexible response.
“Kindness and compassion should be included in the mix,” Holbeck said. “There are a lot of approaches that aren’t just hard love or a skill.”
Holbeck said there can be frustration, but working with addiction care experts can help families find their ways to meet these multi-layered challenges.
“Shame and guilt won’t work,” Flynn said. “He realizes again that they are people we love. Focus on this as you face the problem. Start here “.
Flynn and her family honored her late stepson with a donation to the Avera Addiction Care Center. He was a music lover, so they bought a guitar available for residents who want to play.
Learn more about addiction care resources that can help you or your family.
[ad_2]Source: https://www.avera.org/balance/behavioral-health/treating-the-person-can-help-reduce-overdose-deaths/ [ad_2]
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