Newfoundland’s Mental Health and Addictions Plan
The All-Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions released Newfoundland‘s Mental Health and Addictions Plan, Toward Recovery: A Vision for a Renewed Mental Health and Addictions System for Newfoundland and Labrador in March of 2017. Just three months later the government released Toward Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador to address the 54 recommendations the previous report outlined. Newfoundland’s Mental Health and Addictions Plan has four main pillars that form the basis of the 54 recommendations: promotion, prevention, and early intervention; focusing on the person; improving service access, collaboration, and continuity of care; including all people everywhere. In order to assess the success of implementation of the recommendations, the government has committed to reporting back 6 months after inception, 12 months, and 24 months after. The first six-month report card has already been released so this blog will look at the recommendations as well as the updates. Short-Term Recommendations (to be completed by March 2018) in Brief work with schools, guidance counselors, and educational psychologists to improve early care and intervention for youth encourage post-secondary institutions to provide evidence-based mental health promotion and prevention programs for students Waterford hospital is a high priority: all services are located in one psychiatric hospital currently which is not ideal must replace existing hospital as well as increase community-based services wait times need to be addressed: CEO of each health authority must reduce wait times and waitlists within one year develop a standard procedure for collecting and reporting wait time data across health authorities regular public reporting of wait times and reduction progress help the public navigate the online mental health and addictions services push public and private health insurance companies to align plans with individual needs amend legislation to provide more support for family members and caregivers of those with mental illnesses or substance use issues strengthen knowledge sharing with primary care providers so information is disseminated to the public psychiatrists must provide more regular visits to Labrador coastal communities recruit two permanent full-time psychiatrists for Labrador to ensure coverage for new mental health beds, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics provide general education to community leaders and policymakers about specific population groups like elders, LGBT to increase understanding establish accountability and performance monitoring and reporting framework to track results Positive Progress Made Within one year of implementation of Newfoundland’s Mental Health and Addictions Plan, the province has seen a 35% reduction in the number of people waiting for treatment. The average wait to see a mental health professional in St. John’s was 21 months and is now 24 days. The Burin Peninsula was an area of concern after a cluster of suicides led to people calling for more mental health services. Wait times there have reduced from 180 days to 0. The provincial Liberal government has pledged to implement all 54 recommendations from the committee by March of 2022. All 18 short-term recommendations, listed briefly above, have been achieved already, including the two new permanent full-time psychiatrists in Labrador. As part of the effort to increase the effectiveness of the mobile crisis intervention response team, 161 home visits were made in April 2018 compared to 84 in April last year. The Department of Health plans to spend just under $200 million on mental health and addictions care in 2018 and 2019. Newfoundland and Labrador has a big set of challenges against it as it is such a large area with a small population and revenue, however, it has demonstrated one of the best plans we have reviewed so far. Not only does the plan detail when recommendations must...
Could Gene Therapy Erase Cocaine Addiction?
Researchers at the University of Chicago have released a study that outlines how a new gene therapy has the potential to squash cravings and protect against overdoses in regards to cocaine use. There is an enzyme found in blood plasma that breaks up cocaine into harmless byproducts. However, the enzyme is not potent enough in its naturally occurring form to help those who have cocaine problems. The researches rewrote DNA in mouse skin stem cells to create an enhanced enzyme that is 4,400 times more potent than its natural state. These genetically engineered stem cells are called organoids. They are implanted under the skin where they then release the enzyme into the blood. The research team has done tests on mice who received the organoids. These mice survived overdoses of cocaine that killed other mice who had not received organoids. The test mice also no longer had an interest in cocaine. The enzyme effectively removes cocaine from the system so the animal no longer gets the high that attracted them in the first place, and also means they cannot overdose and die. The implications for humans are huge. Removing illicit and/or unsafe drugs from the body as soon as they are taken in could save untold lives. Lead researcher Ming Xu said lab studies suggest that similar organoids could be implanted in humans and release the special enzyme for 20 to 30 years. Rather than a short-term intervention, this gene therapy could be the long-lasting aid for those who struggle with cocaine. The research team is also tackling other substances with genetically-engineered cells. Alcohol, nicotine, and opioids are all being researched in a similar manner, hopefully, we will be able to provide updates on these soon. If you are looking for drug rehab or alcohol treatment in Canada contact our specialist for personalized help. References: Cure for Cocaine Addiction in Reach, say Scientists The post Could Gene Therapy Erase Cocaine Addiction? appeared first on Canada Drug...
Public Addiction Treatment in Newfoundland and Labrador: Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Resources
There are four provincial health authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador. In order to access addiction treatment in Newfoundland, you must determine if you are located in the Eastern Health, Central Health, Western Health, or Labrador-Grenfell Health region. The health authorities offer services for both substance use and process addictions like gambling, as well as services for those who are using and those who are affected by a loved one’s use. Newfoundland offers outpatient counseling, early intervention for youth, adult residential treatment, detox, opioid treatment, and crisis support. Outpatient Addiction Treatment in Newfoundland The province has 26 outpatient offices that offer counseling in individual, family, or group formats, as well as other outreach services. Most of these offices will not require a referral to attend, and once there you will be assessed so a treatment plan can be made. From there, the office may give you referrals to other clinics or specialists. Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment The Humberwood Treatment Centre is part of Western Health and is located in Corner Brook. It runs a three-week program for both men and women over 19 years of age. The program includes group and private counseling, education sessions, and leisure therapy. Upon completion of the treatment program, clients are able to access after-care through outpatient offices to help them stay on track. To attend this program you must be referred by an addictions counselor or another professional who can provide a treatment assessment. Youth Drug and Alcohol Treatment For youth aged 12 – 18, the Rowan Centre offers day treatment to help with both substance and process addictions. The Centre is in St. John’s and run by Eastern Health. Approximately ten youth are in the program at any one time and the programs run for three to four months. Following the program attendees will also have access to after-care services. Detox and Opioid Treatment Also in St. John’s is The Recovery Centre which is a public non-medical detox. Men and women over 16 can access the services there which include outpatient services. Unfortunately, if you require medically supervised detox you must go to a hospital. If you are looking for opioid specific treatment and want to be on a methadone maintenance treatment plan, the Opioid Treatment Centre is in St. John’s and is also provided by Eastern Health. Due to the small population size yet large land area, addiction treatment in Newfoundland is not at the same level as some of the other provinces. If you are struggling to find drug rehab and/or alcohol treatment programs in Newfoundland and Labrador, navigate your options contact our specialist for assistance. JMC, 2018.09.14 The post Public Addiction Treatment in Newfoundland and Labrador: Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Resources appeared first on Canada Drug...
Drug Fact Sheet: Opioids and Opiates
With the ongoing opioid crisis being felt in Toronto, Vancouver, and most towns and cities across North America, many could use a refresher on what opioids are and why they affect the human body so strongly. In the past, opioid referred only to synthetic opiates, drugs that were chemically created to mimic opium. Opiates referred only to drugs derived from opium that is naturally occurring in the poppy plant. However, most medical professionals and the media now use opioid as the general term. What is an Opioid? “An opioid is any agent that binds to opioid receptors (protein molecules located on the membranes of some nerve cells) found principally in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract and elicits a response.” Morphine, methadone, oxycodone, and heroin are examples of opioids you may be familiar with. There are four classes of opioids: Endogenous opioids. These naturally occur in the body as endorphins. Opium alkaloids. Examples are morphine and codeine. Semi-synthetic opioids, like heroin and oxycodone. Fully synthetic opioids. For example, methadone. How do Opioids Affect the Body? The human brain has opioid receptors, so when opioids are injested they attach to those receptors in the brain. The effects include dulling pain, slowed breathing, and a general calm feeling. Naturally occurring opioids like endorphins cannot cause a person to overdose. When opioids are injested they can give the user feelings of intense euphoria. A higher dose can depress the breathing to the point of overdose and death. Respiratory depression is the main cause of death in fatal opioid overdoses. This is especially concerning when opioids are taken in conjunction with other depressants like alcohol and two non-lethal doses combined can lead to a fatal overdose. What if I Have a Problem with Opioids? If it is hard for you to restrict your recreational use of opioids, or feel you are reliant on prescription opioids, there are lots of ways to get help. The federal government has made it easier across the provinces to access drugs like methadone and Suboxone. These drugs allow you to come off of opioids with minimal withdrawal sickness symptoms and come with a plan to eventually taper off of the maintenance medication too. To learn more about methadone and Suboxone read our article here. Our database of drug and alcohol rehabs in Canada makes note of the facilities that offer medical maintenance programs. If you need help navigating the site or have more questions, call or email our specialist here. References: Opiates/Opioids The post Drug Fact Sheet: Opioids and Opiates appeared first on Canada Drug...
Suicide Prevention Week Sept 9 – 15
World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10th, National Suicide Prevention Week is September 9-15, and September is International Suicide Prevention Month. Many health organizations across the world observe this month and host awareness events to help prevent suicide. Suicide in Canada Every day approximately 10 Canadians die by suicide, 9 of them were known to be living with a mental health problem. Between the ages of 20 to 64 men account for approximately 75% of suicides and women account for just over half of the self-harm hospitalizations. For children aged 10 and up, and young adults aged 20 to 29 suicide is the second leading cause of death. For every suicide death, there are 5 self-harm hospitalizations and up to 30 previous suicide attempts. Increasing Suicide Rates in Women More men than women die by suicide in both Canada and the USA. However, between 2000 and 2016 in the USA the rate of women who died by suicide rose 50% compared to a 21% increase for men. In Canada, the change has been less stark, but between 2011 and 2015 there was a 15% increase in female suicide compared to a 12% increase in males. Experts agree it is hard to determine the underlying causes for this increase in suicide rates. Men are at risk for not receiving treatment due to perceived stigma and not wanting to admit to a mental health problem. Whereas the Canadian Women’s Foundation suggests stress and experiencing violence as possible reasons for women being more prone to suicide. Suicide Prevention It isn’t realistic to shoulder the burden of trying to prevent a loved one’s suicide, however, if you notice some of the following warning signs it could be an indication that they need help: increased substance use anxiety, agitation, insomnia feelings of being trapped, of having no reason to live, or hopelessness withdrawal from loved ones dramatic mood changes including anger, recklessness If you feel concerned take a look at the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention page for concerned loved ones here. If you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehab that focuses on mental health and feelings of depression or suicidal ideation contact our specialist for assistance. References: Suicide Rates Among Canadian Women are Rising Faster than Men. It’s Unclear Why. Suicide in Canada Know the Warning Signs of Suicide The post Suicide Prevention Week Sept 9 – 15 appeared first on Canada Drug...
September is National Recovery Month
Every September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors National Recovery Month to both celebrate those living in recovery, and to spread awareness and understanding of mental health issues and substance use disorders. Recovery Month started life as Treatment Works! Month back in 1989 which focused on the efforts of substance use treatment professionals. In 1998 it turned into National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month when the campaign expanded to include those with substance use disorders in recovery. Finally, in 2011 the day was renamed to National Recovery Month to have a broader scope of all behavioural health. This year’s theme is Join the voices for recovery: invest in health, home, purpose, and community. While this theme may seem broad, it delivers on some of the key factors to a person’s successful recovery. Health and Home Substance use is often the symptom of a larger problem. For some struggling with opioids, it is because they have an unrelated health concern that has required opioid medication they are now dependent on. For others, it may be an undiagnosed mental or physical injury or ailment that they are now self-medicating for. SAMHSA advocates for integrated care so that the individual is receiving the best, most well-rounded care possible. Just as general good health aids recovery, so does a safe and secure living environment. Living on the streets can put people in many different kinds of unsafe situations, as well as additional mental stress and anxiety due to not having a regular place of residence. Working with local governments to ensure supported housing is available can greatly alleviate barriers to recovery. Purpose and Community Something most drug rehabs in Canada will touch on during treatment is finding a person’s purpose, their drive or motivation in life. When someone feels they are not needed, not wanted, it can be hard for them to be inspired to make healthy changes. A community can be the start of fostering a purpose in someone. Whether that means finding a local meeting or contacting our specialist to find an appropriate drug and alcohol treatment centre, finding a community can help pull people through the hard steps of recovery. References: Recovery Month The post September is National Recovery Month appeared first on Canada Drug...
