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A recent Colorado-based study examined whether family members of adolescents and youth who have been prescribed opioids served as a common source of opioids for that age group. After researchers followed family units for a month, it was found that in homes with family members who had an opioid prescription there was an increased risk of opioid overdose among youth in the home. This demonstrates the need for more interventions tailored to youth and their family units surrounding prescription opioid safety at home. This also suggests that families should be counseled on the risk that opioids pose to youth.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that a super spreader at a choir practice in Washington state infected 32 out of 61 people who were in attendance. A superspreader is someone who infects many more people than average. These 32 infections at the choir practice led to 20 additional new cases of COVID-19 in the larger community. It is theorized that the transmission of the infection was due to the close proximity of the choir group during practice, as well as by singing. This report and others provides evidence of the importance of maintaining physical distance during the COVID-19 pandemic to control the spread of this disease, especially in places of worship, where large numbers of people often congregate.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration has released guidelines for both law enforcement and first responders on how to administer naloxone during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key recommendations include utilizing personal protective equipment should be used when administering both intranasal naloxone and intramuscular naloxone. They also highlight that the use of intramuscular naloxone can be an effective and fast working alternative to the intranasal naloxone if first responders are worried for their personal health. The intramuscular administration puts more distance between the nose and mouth of the overdosing individual and the first responder. For more information, read the full guidance report here. Gov. Holcomb has announced the close to $1 million dollars has been put into the distribution of naloxone, in order to ensure that this life saving medication reaches all across the state. To read and find out more information about the governor’s announcement, click here.
Indiana University Health has four peer recovery positions open in various locations around Indiana, including Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Martinsville. The majority of the open positions are based in medical centers in the area and range from supplemental to full time positions. For more information about these positions visit here. For more information about peer recovery careers or training opportunities, visit the Indiana Association of Peer Recovery Support Services’ website here.
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