The Biden-Harris Administration’s Statement of Drug Policy Priorities for Year One

The Office of National Drug Control Policy has released the year one Biden-Harris Drug Policy statement. President Biden has outlined seven priority areas. In March, the president signed in the American Rescue Plan, which directed nearly $4 billion to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Health Resources and Services Administration for expansion of behavioral health services. The priorities demand the use of evidence-based public health and public safety approaches to tackling substance abuse. They also attempt to present a comprehensive approach in that they touch on everything from racial inequities to workplace integrations.

Alcohol and Polysubstance Use During Pregnancy

The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show an increase in alcohol use during pregnancy. Survey results show that drinking rates among pregnant individuals, defined as having had at least one drink in the last 30 days, increased from 9.2% in 2011 to 11.3% in 2018. In addition, a 2020 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published by the CDC showed that use of tobacco and marijuana was also more prevalent among women who reported alcohol use. Data also show that the number of individuals accessing treatment for alcohol and/or substance use disorders during pregnancy is low. Alcohol and/or substance use during pregnancy is harmful and potentially fatal for the development of the fetus. The CDC has listed a number of resources that can assist healthcare providers in addressing the polysubstance use during pregnancy.

Indiana’s First Addiction Treatment Program for First Responders Now Active

Indiana’s first substance abuse treatment facility geared toward first responders is up and running in Indianapolis. The Recovery Centers of America recently launched the “RESCU” program tailored toward first responders. Most individuals working in emergency response are subject to trauma that can lead to anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The Addiction Center website recently shared data that showed 30% of first responders will misuse drugs or alcohol as a response to trauma or anxiety. The RESCU program has dedicated an entire floor of the treatment facility for first responders. There are 12 beds available for first responders in the facility, but that number will likely increase to 50. To learn more about the program, please visit the Recovery Centers of America website.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Indiana Opioid Echo - Virtual ECHO Clinic for Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder and Stimulant Use Disorder

Noon – 1 p.m., Wednesdays (Series), January – May 2021

This free TeleECHO clinic aims to teach participants on how to identify and manage patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and stimulant use disorder (SUD). ECHO is designed as a drop-in model, so attendance every week is not necessary. CME credits are available. 

Upcoming sessions:
May 5 - Resiliency and Provider Self Care

Click here to register 

An Overview of Rhode Island ED Standards of Care for OUD and Overdose

2 – 3 p.m. EDT, Monday, May 10

Dr. Elizabeth Samuels of the Rhode Island Department of Health will go over the models of emergency department (ED) treatment standards for opioid overdose and opioid use disorder (OUD) implemented at Rhode Island hospitals. Dr. Samuels will also discuss her experience with policy implementations and policy adoptions.

Click here to register.

Raising the Bar for Child Victims of the Addiction Crisis

2 - 4 p.m. EDT, May 11-13

The U.S. Department of Justice is hosting a 3-day online showcase to advance awareness and knowledge to mitigate the traumatization of children and youth victims of the drug crisis.

Click here to register.