View Full Version : Overdose deaths in 2017
dado potato
8-18-18, 12:01am
71,568 Americans.
Opioid-related deaths have lowered the overall life expectancy in the U.S. for the second consecutive year.
Addictions and opioid addictions in particular are real tragedies and a terrible waste of life. Most addictions appear to be experienced over a prolonged period of time but opioids have such an abrupt ending.
One thing that has struck me in watching two different shows about addiction, Intervention and My 600 Pound Life, and in interactions with addicts I know, is that there is usually an underlying cause, it's not just that a person is prescribed a pain med for a legitimate injury and becomes dependent although that happens. So I think Trump's recent talk about cracking down on pharmaceutical companies may help but won't change the overall trend.
The causes are often sexual abuse of children, parental abandonment (in some cases not the parent's fault - e.g, could die in a car accident), and undiagnosed mental health problems for which the person self-medicates. PTSD not related to abuse is also a big factor for combat veterans.
I think the solution is to develop a robust, comprehensive program to address the root causes of addiction, to lessen the stigma of mental health diagnoses and provide comprehensive treatment on demand for them through a single payer healthcare system, and to build up the resiliency of trauma victims and let them know that they matter.
I have been going to a sitting meditation group at a residential treatment center, kinda to help and kinda because it is supportive of my bipolar brain and breakdown. It seems that everyone has a trauma or mental health condition. Most are in a worse position, being in patient, but still are working on it. One woman I know is trying to stay but there are no funds for her. That is the saddest, to have people who want help but are not able to access it.
catherine
8-18-18, 10:14am
One thing that has struck me in watching two different shows about addiction, Intervention and My 600 Pound Life, and in interactions with addicts I know, is that there is usually an underlying cause, it's not just that a person is prescribed a pain med for a legitimate injury and becomes dependent although that happens. So I think Trump's recent talk about cracking down on pharmaceutical companies may help but won't change the overall trend.
The causes are often sexual abuse of children, parental abandonment (in some cases not the parent's fault - e.g, could die in a car accident), and undiagnosed mental health problems for which the person self-medicates. PTSD not related to abuse is also a big factor for combat veterans.
I think the solution is to develop a robust, comprehensive program to address the root causes of addiction, to lessen the stigma of mental health diagnoses and provide comprehensive treatment on demand for them through a single payer healthcare system, and to build up the resiliency of trauma victims and let them know that they matter.
I have more alcoholics in my family tree than an apple tree has apples in October, and I have seen friends die of opioid addiction, so I've been able to observe and think about this question A LOT. And the answer for me is, the reasons for addiction and substance abuse are incredibly complex. Root causes can certainly be early trauma. But I always wonder why, for example, in my family, I have 3 siblings. We all were "abandoned" by our father to alcoholism, and only my youngest brother became alcoholic. And in fact, my middle brother had greater reason to become alcoholic if you go by the emotional trauma criterion because he was absolutely emotionally abandoned by my father from the time he was born, which was one of the main reasons my mother courageously divorced my father. But he has managed his wounds without resorting to alcohol or drugs.
The biological/brain chemistry thing is something worth considering. Gabor Mate has a fascinating hypothesis that when mothers are stressed during pregnancy, it messes with the chemistry of the cells in the fetus, and that "stress" can't be undone. So, if addiction is hard-wired in some poor souls, how does the medical community address that?
I am fascinated by the need for all of us to greater or lesser extent to alter our consciousness. Whether it's drugs, drink, pot, or even meditation. A lot of people don't drink for many reasons, or smoke pot, or do harder drugs, but throughout history, cultures have had their own escape valves from society or from themselves.
What is it about our society that people want to run from psychologically? What are the past wounds that people are trying to run from? And I'm not just talking about addiction that runs our lives or even kills us. I'm talking about the need for social lubrication at parties, or the popularity of happy hours, or the end of the day wind-down cocktail. "Addiction" is only a matter of scale in many cases.
I agree that the opioid thing extremely frightening, and to me it gives credence to the biological aspect of addiction. And, as razz suggests, it's an unforgiving addiction. You get hooked fast, and it's extremely hard to get un-hooked.
Some people talk about lack of connection as a reason for abuse. Then there's Rat Park (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat_Park)--an experiment which seems to suggest that use of drugs is based on mere boredom or lack of any other fulfilling pursuits and can be chosen or abandoned at will or as circumstances change. But that has been disputed.
Addiction makes me so sad and angry. I think there is a limit to what we can do as loved ones or as society or as a medical community. Addiction is a thief in the night.
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I am fascinated by the need for all of us to greater or lesser extent to alter our consciousness. Whether it's drugs, drink, pot, or even meditation. A lot of people don't drink for many reasons, or smoke pot, or do harder drugs, but throughout history, cultures have had their own escape valves from society or from themselves.
What is it about our society that people want to run from psychologically? What are the past wounds that people are trying to run from?
...
Using various substances/methods to alter consciousness is not always pathological, but pleasurable, like immersing yourself in a good book can be. I'm pretty sure the birds that get stoned on Madrona berries every year outside my window aren't trying to escape their wretched lives. Animals seek out chemical amusements just as we do--think catnip.
I worry about a friend who seems to be opioid-dependent due to legitimate health concerns; they're tapering off with the help of cannabis, but it makes me crazy that they ever got started on such dangerous stuff.
Boredom could be genetic. I have heard speculation about a thrill seeking gene/personality.
Two sisters were subjected to the Allied bombing of Dresden and the loss of their father at a young age due to the war. My aunt abused substances, my mother avoided them and anything else risky and instead developed IBS from stress.
catherine
8-18-18, 10:36am
Using various substances/methods to alter consciousness is not always pathological, but pleasurable, like immersing yourself in a good book can be. I'm pretty sure the birds that get stoned on Madrona berries every year outside my window aren't trying to escape their wretched lives. Animals seek out chemical amusements just as we do--think catnip.
I agree it's not always pathological. Gabor Mate talks about his "addiction" to buying CDs. But I think the idea that our brains seek out "chemical amusements" (I like that term) is an interesting one. Biologically, why? How does the non-pathological pursuit of catnip, ethanol, cannibis, or magic mushrooms promote our survival?
Ultralight
8-18-18, 10:39am
71,568 Americans.
Opioid-related deaths have lowered the overall life expectancy in the U.S. for the second consecutive year.
I suspect a lot of these are actually suicides in slow motion.
catherine
8-18-18, 10:40am
Two sisters were subjected to the Allied bombing of Dresden and the loss of their father at a young age due to the war. My aunt abused substances, my mother avoided them and anything else risky and instead developed IBS from stress.
Interesting. I've heard that one of the reasons that moderate drinkers live longer than teetotalers is just for the reason you're saying--it helps relieve disease-promoting stress. I've known a couple of alcoholics who gave up drinking entirely and they lived short lives--not due to alcohol-related disease, but because they got cancer, which may have been due to past drinking, but it could also have been due to stress. Who knows?
No not always pathological. But I think the reasons people can't stop often are pathological. Because some without those underlying issues can take or leave the recreation, or can kick the habit on their first and only stint in rehab.
I agree it's not always pathological. Gabor Mate talks about his "addiction" to buying CDs. But I think the idea that our brains seek out "chemical amusements" (I like that term) is an interesting one. Biologically, why? How does the non-pathological pursuit of catnip, ethanol, cannibis, or magic mushrooms promote our survival?
They promote relaxation, pleasurable interactions with like-minded friends, and--in the case of the psychedelics--mind expansion. Also, small quantities of alcohol and cannabis have proved to be health-enhancing. Seeking pleasurable and/or novel experiences is a near-universal impulse.
catherine
8-18-18, 11:09am
Seeking pleasurable and/or novel experiences is a near-universal impulse.
Yeah, I guess it's as simple as that. Maybe I'm too puritanical or too stoic, or both to be happy with that answer. Don't get me wrong--I'm not a teetotaler, but maybe I've just seen too much of the pathological side of substance use and abuse to have faith that it can do us good--even in small measure.
Ultralight
8-18-18, 11:26am
mind expansion.
Any proof of this? Evidence?
Gardenarian
8-18-18, 11:33am
Oregon has instituted programs and protocols that have greatly reduced overdose deaths in just one year.
https://www.opb.org/news/article/opioid-deaths-epidemic-oregon-education-prescription/
(This link has pop up ads, sorry)
Oregon has instituted programs and protocols that have greatly reduced overdose deaths in just one year.
https://www.opb.org/news/article/opioid-deaths-epidemic-oregon-education-prescription/
(This link has pop up ads, sorry)
My friend is in Oregon. My understanding is that opioids aren't much more effective than NSAIDS for pain relief, so I'm thinking of the recent book Cure, which lays out how the mind can influence the body for good or ill--in this case creating analgesia beyond what normally occurs.
I'm glad Oregon is working on this; it's a real scourge.
Any proof of this? Evidence?
You don't get around much, do you?
You don't get around much, do you?
yppej thinks he gets around too much... :~)
I suspect a lot of these are actually suicides in slow motion.
Indeed. Suicide can take many forms. My first BF, long after we broke up, committed suicide by HIV. Life wasn't going well for him, he became depressed, so he simply stopped taking his meds and six months later developed non-hodgkins lymphoma which killed him in just a few short months.
Ultralight
8-18-18, 12:32pm
Indeed. Suicide can take many forms. My first BF, long after we broke up, committed suicide by HIV. Life wasn't going well for him, he became depressed, so he simply stopped taking his meds and six months later developed non-hodgkins lymphoma which killed him in just a few short months.
I am sorry to hear that. About what year did this happen?
Have you heard of "bug chasers" or "the gift?"
Ultralight
8-18-18, 12:34pm
You don't get around much, do you?
Are you asking about my love life?
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. If you assert that certain drugs expand the human mind I would like to see the proof of this. So please share the evidence or clarify that you were merely stating an uninformed opinion. Thanks.
ApatheticNoMore
8-18-18, 12:56pm
I don't doubt that certain drugs may change the mind and sometimes in a good way, but then there is always the odd person that has a complete psychotic break after use and is never the same again ... in a bad way. Yes I'm talking psychedelics there. So I'm not sure safe usage is 100% worked out.
Slow suicide can be as rational as suicide and suicide can be rational. But it's never just suicide with drug usage - opiates can relieve (mental) pain so that's probably the primary goal and suicide only a secondary goal (or maybe just something one is indifferent to). Well sometimes there is physical pain involved too and opiates also create their own phantom physical pain.
Are you asking about my love life?
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. If you assert that certain drugs expand the human mind I would like to see the proof of this. So please share the evidence or clarify that you were merely stating an uninformed opinion. Thanks.
This isn't a term paper: I don't need to provide footnotes.
When I run across conflicting information, I go to a search engine. I suggest you do the same--far keener minds than mine have made the same assertion.
Ultralight
8-18-18, 1:01pm
This isn't a term paper: I don't need to provide footnotes.
When I run across conflicting information, I go to a search engine. I suggest you do the same--far keener minds than mine have made the same assertion.
Okay, no problem. But when you make extraordinary claims without evidence I will point out that you have presented no evidence and that your case is flimsy or non-existent.
I don't doubt that certain drugs may change the mind and sometimes in a good way, but then there is always the odd person that has a complete psychotic break after use and is never the same again ... in a bad way. Yes I'm talking psychedelics there. So I'm not sure safe usage is 100% worked out.
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And because the government has deemed them Schedule One, there's not likely to be. Pity.
Okay, no problem. But when you make extraordinary claims without evidence I will point out that you have presented no evidence and that your case is flimsy or non-existent.
I didn't present a case. This is not a debate. And I made no "extraordinary" claims, which you could have confirmed in about 60 seconds by doing a quick Google search.
I am sorry to hear that. About what year did this happen?
I dated him in the early 90's for a few years. His death was about 5 years ago.
Have you heard of "bug chasers" or "the gift?"
Of course. And I totally don't get it. Especially now that it's a reasonably easy disease to treat, or even better, prevent.
A question that's been rolling around in my mind lately is why are there so many "broken" people in this country today. Way more than I ever recall growing up in the 50s-60s. Maybe there are just more people period or maybe they were neatly tucked away in institutions or with family where they were not seen back in those days. It really bothers me when I see homeless people multiplying in every city and so many are addicts too. I think in many cases opioid/alcohol addiction is indeed a slow suicide for people who don't have whatever it is that one needs to thrive or even just exist in our culture. I have very distinct memories as a teen of watching my father sit at the dining table and drink vodka until he passed out. Later, I read in his diaries that he was using narcotics as a young doctor long before his alcoholism. If genetic, I should have inherited his tendencies but apparently have not. I do love alcohol but only in moderation.
iris lilies
8-18-18, 4:45pm
Are there more “broken” people? I have no idea that is true. Nor do
I know how that would honestly, and accurately, be measured.
I think in many cases opioid/alcohol addiction is indeed a slow suicide for people who don't have whatever it is that one needs to thrive
I have used that thought as comfort actually--that some people just aren't meant to thrive. This isn't a criticism.. it's as much to say that some plants are planted the same way at the same time and some will grow and thrive and others will wilt and die. That analogy helps me to accept certain things that are hard to accept.
Cannabis has its problems as well according to this http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/cannabis-addiction-1.4789187 article by a clinical psychologist.
"-for roughly one in 10 people who try cannabis, one potential impact could be addiction.
-cannabis can directly and almost immediately change your emotional state, such that your brain can become trained to respond to uncomfortable emotions with craving or a strong desire to use cannabis. Unfortunately, if a person practises coping with emotions with the use of substances, they forgo the opportunity to practise managing uncomfortable emotions in healthy ways.
-The diagnostic criteria of cannabis use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), one of the main psychiatric texts that is used by mental health professionals to diagnose psychiatric and addictive disorders, includes features such as repeated use resulting in a failure to fulfil major role obligations; repeated use in hazardous situations; continued use despite social/interpersonal problems; cravings; tolerance; withdrawal; use for longer periods or in larger amounts than intended; persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to control use; a great deal of time spent in activities related to use; reduced important social, occupational, or recreational activities; and continued use despite physical or psychological problems.
-Research shows that cannabis withdrawal is similar to nicotine withdrawal: The DSM-5 includes diagnostic criteria for cannabis withdrawal and lists possible signs as including irritability, anger, aggression, nervousness, anxiety, sleep difficulty, decreased appetite, restlessness, depressed mood and some other possible physical symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain, shakiness, sweating, fever, chills, and headache).
-A final popular misconception I want to address is the idea that only people with an addictive personality can get addicted to cannabis. The biggest challenge with this view is the contentious status of the "addictive personality" construct. There is no scientific agreement on exactly what constitutes an addictive personality and how exactly it relates to the development of particular addictions".
There certainly seem to be more "broken" people abroad in the present time. I used to listen to police scanners years ago, and I occasionally do now too, and the number of apparently mentally ill people brought to police attention has seemingly skyrocketed. Part of it is undoubtedly that mental health facilities have been shuttered and sustained health care is hard to come by for many. The cynic in me suspects the "let it all hang out" culture fostered by Oprah and others has played a part, but I have no proof of that.
I'm sure people can get hooked on cannabis, like alcohol, OTC drugs, fizzy drinks, cigarettes, or anything that provides pleasure center rewards.
My weaknesses are "shiny objects" and refined carbohydrates, so I have to keep a careful watch on those. Also books, but those are a more acceptable addiction--at least among my posse.
I have used that thought as comfort actually--that some people just aren't meant to thrive. This isn't a criticism.. it's as much to say that some plants are planted the same way at the same time and some will grow and thrive and others will wilt and die. That analogy helps me to accept certain things that are hard to accept.
I think there's some truth to that. Some eventually find their way back through talk therapy, diet, emotional support, growing older, etc.
I think a lot of the broken-ness starts very early. I did some volunteer work recently at a local kindergarten just out of curiosity. I wanted to see if children were happy and joyful like they should be at that age since I have noted a lot of unhappy people here. One could see, even at that tender age, that more than a few were already going to have a hard time thriving - crying spells, inability to concentrate, tantrums, anxious. I clipped an article to send to my DD since she has new twins. It said that children (and I presume adults) are more likely to thrive if they start with these three things:
1) a sense of belonging to a group - a family, friends...
2) they need to feel they have worth/are loved
3) they need to feel they're good at something
A question that's been rolling around in my mind lately is why are there so many "broken" people in this country today.
I think there are a lot fewer broken people than during slavery or the years when this country was annihilating Native American communities, and even in the 50's when there was "the problem that has no name". We are more open now thanks to Oprah, Dr. Phil, etc. It is good that we are more open.
rosarugosa
8-18-18, 8:19pm
Good point, Yppej. Our society didn't really care about broken slaves or Native Americans, etc. but that doesn't mean they didn't exist in large numbers.
Isn’t it just hearing more about it?
Good point, Yppej. Our society didn't really care about broken slaves or Native Americans, etc. but that doesn't mean they didn't exist in large numbers.
In fairness, that was before our time.
Some of us remember the civil rights struggles that seem to have to be fought all over again, in some measure, every generation.
There are hats now that say, "America Never Was Great."
But American exceptionalism and whitewashing of history continues.
So yes, I think it is just hearing more about it, and the self- medications evolving to be more lethal.
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