2/17/18 – 2/23/18
Some of the most noteworthy events that happened this week in the addiction and mental health community around the world.
HBO’s Crashing Shows Character’s Harrowing Struggle With Addiction
In a painfully honest episode of the HBO hit show Crashing, character Artie Lange finally comes face-to-face with the reality of his addiction. With a frankness rarely seen on the television show focused on aspiring comedians, Lange discusses what it’s like to live with a chronic and invisible like addiction. The character’s struggle with addiction mirrors a similar struggle faced by the actor who portrays him. [middle-callout]
Family Of Rock Musician Killed By Opioid Overdose To Sue Doctor That Prescribed Painkillers
Former guitarist for the rock band 3 Doors Down, Matthew Roberts, was found dead of an opioid overdose in August 2016. Roberts’ family is now suing his doctor for prescribing him high levels of opioids from 2006 up until the time of his death. His highly publicized death is sparking debate over whether or not doctors should be held responsible for the overdose deaths of their patients. Read more about the lawsuit filed by Roberts family.
Author Shares How Her Battle With Addiction Prepared Her For Anything
Even in the midst of her battle with breast cancer, author Elizabeth Wurtzel claims that overcoming her addiction is the hardest things she’s ever done. In her own words, Elizabeth explains how relapse played a role in her recovery process, why she started using drugs in the first place, and how her struggle with addiction made everything in her life easier.
American Workforce Struggling To Find Qualified Employees Due To Opioid Use
After years of rising unemployment rates, the job market is finally on the upswing- but companies are struggling to find qualified workers for positions. According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistic, the labor force participation rate is near a 40-year low. The reason: America’s opioid epidemic. In this six-minute video, learn how the increasing number of opioid prescriptions is hurting the American workforce.
Doctors Unsure On The Best Method For Treating Babies Born With Opioid Addictions
The number of babies being born addicted to opioids has grown in the wake of America’s opioid crisis. Unfortunately, the surge in babies born addicted to opioids has outpaced science, and doctors aren’t sure how best to treat withdrawal symptoms of the epidemics youngest patients. With few concrete answers, it’s difficult to choose a course of treatment confidently and without fear of future developmental problems. Read more about how the lack of research is causing problems for doctors, addicted babies and their parents.
How One Teens Addiction To Prescription Adderall Almost Killed Her
Emma’s parents knew that something was awry with their daughter, but they couldn’t quite put their finger on what it was until she overdosed on a mixture Adderall and alcohol at a house party. Upon arriving at the hospital, doctors placed Emma in a medically induced coma. Three weeks later, she finally woke up. Emma opens up about how her addiction rapidly developed after receiving an Adderall prescription from her doctor, and why her sobriety still terrifies her.
Philadelphia Uses Innovative Methods To Combat High Overdose Rate
Philadelphia has one of the highest opioid overdose rates of any major city in America. In 2017, the city had an estimated 1,200 overdoses. Now, Philly is trying to fight back by applying two innovative new strategies. Strategy number one: treatment on demand, literally. Strategy number two: creating a safe injection site. Read how Philadelphia is successfully using these measures to fight the opioid epidemic.
