Crystal Wireman (She/Her
NR 436 Week 3 Practicum Project Discussion
The rural areas of Eastern Kentucky are significantly impacted by the opioid abuse epidemic. In a region where opioid dependency is on the rise, the environment and community are deficient in critical necessities. There are not enough medical facilities in the area to handle the drug problem. The area does not have any hospitals or drug rehab facilities locally. Unwanted outcomes could arise in the absence of these facilities, which are crucial in the fight against the drug problem. Hospitals and treatment centers are necessary to help drug users by offering a route to recovery. Overseeing detoxification, medical professionals make sure people can safely manage their withdrawal symptoms. Regaining control of one’s life and overcoming the disruptive effects of addiction on the brain and behavior are made possible by treatment. Opioid use and mental health are strongly associated with mental illness being a contributing factor in opioid use. Undiagnosed mental illness can affect a person’s capacity to make decisions about their health care and raises the risk of opioid drug use. Despite the increased risk of addiction and overdose, patients with a diagnosed mental illness are more likely to receive opioid prescriptions (SAMHSA, 2024). Regretfully, there is only one mental health counseling clinic in the area.
Opioid dependency in my community is impacted by the social determinants of health. Examples of areas where the community needs to improve include economic stability and the availability and quality of health care. Long term opioid use is frequently linked to poor socioeconomic areas, affecting both working age individuals and the elderly. When it comes to drug use, populations with lower socioeconomic status are more susceptible (NIDA, 2023). The high unemployment rate is one of the main risk factors linked to drug use. There are few jobs available in Magoffin County’s rural areas and many people here live in substandard housing and on public assistance. The quality and accessibility of health care is another problem impacting the area. The lack of a hospital or substance abuse treatment facility in the area makes it difficult to access treatment. Overprescribing, lack of alternative pain management techniques, and lost chance for early intervention and treatment can all contribute to an increase in opioid abuse. Although there are weaknesses in the community regarding social health determinants, there are also positive aspects such as physical activity and availability of nutritious foods. There is a gym in the neighborhood where people can go to get aerobic exercise. Exercise has countless advantages for helping to lessen opioid dependence. Exercise causes dopamine and serotonin to be released, which releases feel-good chemicals. People who are happy are less likely to misuse drugs (ODPHP, n.d.-a). The community’s accessibility to wholesome foods is another asset. The area has many restaurants, but there are also food banks, fresh produce stands, and churches that distribute nutritious foods. Regular eating makes one feel full and may even make them forget what hunger feels like. Opioid dependence can hinder the body’s ability to properly absorb and use nutrients, impact metabolism, and alter mental health. Healthy eating gives the body the fuel it needs, which increases energy. Healthy eating strengthens your immune system, lowers your chance of developing disease linked to substance abuse, and eases stress and anxiety.
Rural areas have a startlingly high rate of opioid abuse with increases in usage being a problem in many areas. Addressing issues of opioid dependence requires the cooperation of the entire community focusing on fighting the epidemic. The prevalence of opioid dependency can be reduced by putting in place initiatives that support healthy lifestyle choices like regular exercise and adequate nutrition. Healthcare professionals who treat addicts can make sure the patient gets the support they require to kick their addiction and carry-on giving patients high quality care. Healthcare providers can closely monitor patient medication usage and take appropriate action by educating patients and caregivers. Medical professionals can screen and track opioid use in patients, participate in transitional treatment, and assist with community overdose rescue efforts by establishing multisector partnerships with clinics and treatment facilities. Additionally, in small regions incorporating the use of law enforcement and the criminal justice system may be necessary in these high-risk areas. A community’s shortcomings can be identified through analysis. Understanding these elements gives practitioners suggestions on how to address the issues.
Educational Material:
https://store.samhsa.gov/product/national-substance-use-and-mental-health-services-survey-n-sumhss-2023-data-substance-useLinks to an external site.
https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/environmental-conditionsLinks to an external site.
https://nida.nih.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2023/04/social-determinants-health-cant-be-extricated-addiction-scienceLinks to an external site.
References
NIDA. 2023, April 27. Social Determinants of Health Can’t Be Extricated from Addiction Science. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2023/04… on 2024, November 9
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.-a). Environmental conditions. Healthy People 2030. Retrieved on May 18, 2023, from https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/so…
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: National substance use and mental health services survey (N-SUMHSS): Data on substance use and mental health treatment facilities. Publication No. PEP24-07- 027 MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2024.