On Thursday and
Friday, Sue Washburn, Alice Tondora, and I lead conversations on
addiction at the two western Regional Meetings of the Synod of the
Trinity in Morgantown, WV and Camp Crestfield. We met some wonderful
people who shared our concern for those families and individuals
impacted by alcohol and other drug dependency. They shared with us
stories of hope and heartache and concern for discerning where the
Holy Spirit may be guiding the church in the future to bring hope and
healing to those experiencing the pain and struggle in addictions.
We came away with affirmation of the direction we are being lead and
ideas and suggestions for our common ministry. Some which, we will
reflect upon in the next few weeks. We talked about some of the
resources available on the internet. Here are a few, though not in
anyway an extensive list of possible web links. We include
additional links in the next few months.
The
U.S. is in the midst of an epidemic of opiate addiction and overdose.
Overdose deaths from prescription painkillers have quadrupled since
1999. Deaths from heroin have tripled in the last five years.
Pennsylvania has a higher overdose rate than most states.
The
Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA) realizes immediate action
needs to be taken to prevent opiate abuse. The CPA offers this
website, and its content, to increase awareness, education and
information on how to seek help. Visit their web page at pastop.org
NIDA
provides a wealth of information about drug abuse and links to other
organizations and resources. NIDA is committed to bringing timely,
factual information on addiction and its treatment to the public.
NIDA’s Office
of Science Policy and Communications links scientists, the scientific community, and the media, PILB supports the rapid dissemination of research information to inform policy and improve practice. NIDA’s goal is to ensure that science— not ideology or anecdote—forms the foundation of public information on drug use and addiction.
of Science Policy and Communications links scientists, the scientific community, and the media, PILB supports the rapid dissemination of research information to inform policy and improve practice. NIDA’s goal is to ensure that science— not ideology or anecdote—forms the foundation of public information on drug use and addiction.
Easy-to-Read Drug Facts
As
the name of this website states in contains easy to read drug facts.
The site will even read the material to you. This website talks
about drug abuse, addiction, and treatment. They have a series of
videos on this home page and here is one of them. Visit
easyread.drugabuse.gov/
Why
Are Drugs So Hard to Quit? -
Video link
Quitting
drugs is hard because addiction is a brain disease. Your brain is
like a control tower that sends out signals to direct your actions
and choices. Addiction changes the signals in your brain and makes it
hard to feel OK without the drug. This video from NIDA explains
addiction in simple terms and offers a hotline to help you or a loved
one find treatment.
Lee McDermott, Contributor
Lee McDermott, Contributor
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