Having found no one to take me up on my suggestion of a carpool, my poor husband was one again dragged off (protesting only mildly) to join me in tonight’s presentation, The Opioid Crisis: How did it happen, how do we deal with it, and how it affects everyone in NH, by David Coursin, MD.
Thank you, Dr. Coursin, for such a thorough explanation of the history of this crisis we are facing. In additon to the history, Dr. Coursin offered his suggestions for the solutions:
1. Change the public perception: Addiction is not a choice. It is a disease.
2. Recognize that it takes a long time for someone who has an addiction to gain sobriety. (4-5 relapses over 7 or 8 years is not uncommon; 50-60% eventually stabilize.)
3. We need medication prescription therapy, such as methadone or suboxone, as a first step to help those fighting addictions be able to improve.
4. We need to commit to large-scale, publically-funded solutions. We do not have enough personnel trained to handle the number of people that need assistance. We do not have a communication system in place. And we do not have adequate facilities. We need more doors!
5. We need to accept that some will never be cured. We need to find ways to help those who cannot, and find ways to keep them out of dangerous situations.
Dr. Coursin’s suggested reading:
• Dopesick, by Beth Macy (available on Amazon)
• Blog on the website, Transform: https://www.tdpf.org.uk/blog/heroin-assisted-treatment-switzerland-successfully-regulating-supply-and-use-high-risk-0
A video of tonight’s presentation will be made available. Try https://www.facebook.com/DrDavidCoursin/
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Disclaimer:
Although he is a candidate for NH State Rep, Dr. Coursin made it clear that he was making this presentation as a medical doctor, doing this for the benefit of the community, and not as candidate.