Today’s program was a continuation of the conversation started in February regarding the opioid epidemic in Grand Traverse County. Bob Cooney gave a brief overview of the statistics associated with opioid use and then introduced our speakers Dr. Richard Entz, Addiction Medicine Specialist and Katie Kerr from Addiction Treatment Services.
Dr. Entz explained how drugs and alcohol can impact the “happy” thermostat in the brain. They theoretically flip a switch in the brain that allows one to feel good. When the affect has worn off, the brain responds with the user feeling worse each time they wake up. The only way to get back to that “happy” feeling is to increase the drug use.
As addiction begins to develop, the functions of the brain shift. The cerebral cortex that controls our rational thoughts is overcome by the midbrain. The midbrain controls our primitive needs like safety and hunger. With the midbrain in control, addictions become a priority for the brain!
Opioids are unique in that they will depress breathing. No other drug has that impact on respiration. Heroin penetrates the brain faster than morphine, lands on an opioid receptor and releases the “feel good” neurotransmitter dopamine. Dr. Entz also explained that Suboxone is a drug that helps an addict “feel normal “again, stabilizing the roller coaster effects of opioid use.
Kate Kerr spoke of treatment options offered through Addiction Treatment Services. Services are available for men and women and they provide an effective continuum of care. Substance Coalitions from the five county area are working together to provide education and there’s a grassroots effort taking place at East Middle School.
Addiction Treatment Services offers reverse drug kits that are free and contain 2 doses. There is some education available on how to use these kits and they are most appropriate for opioid use. To reach Kate, her email is katek@addictiontreatmentservices.org
Bob Cooney rounded out the presentation with laws that are being passed that impact physicians and schools. Parental consent will be required for any minors receiving an opioid prescription. Physicians will only be allowed to write prescriptions for seven days.
Judge Linda Davis will be coming to Central United Methodist Church on June 21 to speak on Families Against Narcotics. Judge Davis is the chair for the Governor’s Task Force on Opioid Drugs.
Predator & Prey: Opioids' Savage Effect On Our Community Video CLICK HERE
President John reminded us that next week we are meeting at the Great Wolf Lodge.
Thanks so much everyone!! See you at the Rotary Show!
Dr. Richard Entz