If I could give some FREE
ADVICE to the newly appointed Opiate Czar:
With the White House’s recent
announcement that President Trump is considering appointing Kellyanne Conway as
Opiate Czar as some are reporting, or if she is simply the point person to help
direct the Presidents policy on the Opiate Epidemic in America. If I were given
the opportunity to sit down with her, I would share the following advice!
Remember the numbers keep rising according to the CDC: The National Center for Health Statistics
estimated 52,898 Opiate overdose related deaths in 2016 (these numbers are not
conclusive due to all the data not being in) and it is a good possibility that
this number could rise. Some health care
professionals and those in Law Enforcement are reporting these numbers could
top 70,000 in 2017!
What should be the
government policy or agenda as I see it!
1) Treatment for those that are abusing Opiates, either prescribed by a
doctor or drugs such as Heroin and other opiates they are buying from dealers
off the street. In the state of Ohio, I
work as an Alcohol and Drug counselor and they have a mandatory policy for
those stopped for DUI (Driving under the influence of alcohol) the person must
go through a 3 day education program and evaluation for possible need of
further treatment.
I would propose a similar
law for Opiates, if a person overdoses and 911 is called or the person is taken
to the emergency room the person must undergo an evaluation by a professional
addictions counselor and determine if treatment is needed. No, I am not trying to build up the profits
of Alcohol and Drug counselors across the country. My recommendation is simply based on the fact
that from my experience, most people will not seek help for Opiate Addiction
until forced to either by the court, family or friends, or health related
issues.
I’m going to inject a
personal thought here when it comes to treatment, which some will not agree
with me and others will say Amen!
It is time for the
government (including federal, state, and local) to get out of the way and let
the Faith Based Treatment organizations do what they do best. There are studies upon studies, that show
organizations such as Teen Challenge, Rescue Missions, Salvation Army, and many
more have great success rates in helping individuals address the Opiate
Addiction. There should be a push to
provide funding to these organization’s with no strings attached (if they want
to pray with the individual, share a Bible verse, or disciple them in their
Christian walk, or any other faith walk) they should be able to help the person
get clean, and develop a sober life style.
2) Dealers/Pushers: Sadly, there are individuals that make a
profit from the suffering of others: There are two types of Dealers/Pushers; 1 is
considered legal and other is illegal. However, the reality is they both need
to be stopped.
·
First is the doctor with his
prescription pad! Do not misunderstand me, I thank God for the doctor’s
ability to write prescriptions for pain medication and over the past 40 years I
have used it more than I care to admit. With having 13 knees injures, including
two total knee replacements, Achilles tendon surgery, and kidney stones. I have
used my fair share! However, I have also been very lucky that the doctors I had
would monitor my use and would not allow me to stay on the drug very long after
the surgery.
In my opinion those doctors that give Opiates out like candy
are guilty of ethical violations, as well as breaking the law. In addition, they should be held accountable,
and even charged with a crime.
·
Second is the street dealer! Selling Opiates is serious, and
those that do it need to be held accountable both legally as well as punitively. In my personal opinion if someone is dealing
Opiates and someone he/she sold to dies, he/she should be charged with
manslaughter. In addition, the family
should be able to sue the individuals that have property and money.
3) Education:
From first grade on drug education should be a part of the everyday fabric of
our educational system. However,
education should be based on the facts of what the drugs do both physically,
and mentally to the individuals and not based on the bias opinion of the
instructor or those that have a political agenda for legalization.
We should also be educating those that are being impacted by
this national epidemic such as family, friends, co-workers and etc. We should be educating them on what to watch
for, and other key information such as where to lead, help, and take your
friend or loved one to get help.
Rev. Don
Allen, PhD, LICDC-CS has been an Alcohol and Drug counselor in the State of
Ohio, for over 25 years and has worked with individuals within the Christian
recovery community, secular inpatient, and outpatient programs, as well for the
past 13 years working for the State of Ohio Department Mental Health and
Addictions within a State Psychiatric Hospital.
He is also the author of the book The Drug Epidemic and the Impact on our
Families and Churches!
