Addictus Poetica - Volume II (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798712054732)

ADDICTUS POETICA - VOLUME II. Changes include adding more pages for journaling and personal input. The poetic contributions have had some minor correctional changes.The purpose of the book is to expand understanding of the opiate epidemic which continues to rage unabated. The death toll from addiction continues to rise and most recently is estimated at 220 deaths per day which is over 80,000 per year. Most likely this is a gross under estimate of what is actually happening. Heroin, cocaine and opiates are ever present but the insidious addition of fentanyl and who knows what else continue to claim lives. Suboxone and Subutex are also being exploited and abused inspite of efforts to use these medications in Medication-assisted clinics. These therapies are highly effective in returning these individuals back into meaningful lives. It is touted as "Harm Reduction" and indeed that is the hope. It has been difficult, however, to successfully taper and discontinue these treatments because of two major fears. One fear is the fear of going through the withdrawal from these medications and the second major fear is that of relapse back to old habits and thought patterns. Without lifestyle changes, environment changes, intense and regular counseling, both individually as well as group therapies, there is little hope of sustained recovery.Group therapy and counseling have made some impact but patients dislike traditional group therapies and previous approaches to treatment. In these presentations, the use of non-traditional approaches poetry, journaling, art, music along with affirmations and cognitive therapies have made a greater impact in the treatment of Substance Use Disorder. Another major player, however, methamphetamines present an ever present and growing challenge for which treatment has been difficult. This is compounded by the development of significant brain damage and thought disorders with progressive psychosis with dementia making reasoning and cognitive therapies difficult at best, if not impossible. One must intervene early in these individuals while brain function is maintained. Combined addictions further affect progress (the use of marijuana, alcohol and even nicotine). Is there hope? - yes, but not without pain and sacrifice.

Author: Robert Clark Allen
ISBN-10: 8712054739
ISBN-13: 9798712054732
Publisher: Independently Published
Language: English
Published: 02/22/2021
Pages: 302
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.98lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.68d