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I am 4 minutes into #ThisIsLife with @lisaling @CNN on the #opioidcrisis.
For a decade, I've studied the #opioidcrisis & it's effect on pregnant women & infants. Already, I've heard stigmatizing language "addict" and babies "born addicted."
For a decade, I've studied the #opioidcrisis & it's effect on pregnant women & infants. Already, I've heard stigmatizing language "addict" and babies "born addicted."
We've been in the midst of an #opioidcrisis for a long time. The @AP, for example, doesn't use the word "addict." The term "born addicted" is medically inaccurate, hyperbole and #stigmatizing.
Next, the show pivots to talking about the child welfare system, and this is an important conversation to have. I hope they do it carefully. There is no question, the child welfare system has been stretched by the #opioidcrisis https://www.vumc.org/childhealthpolicy/child-welfare-infographic-large
Ohio, for example, in 2017 1.5% of infants were in the foster care system, most due to parental substance use.
https://www.vumc.org/childhealthpolicy/childwelfare
https://www.vumc.org/childhealthpolicy/childwelfare
They talk about a mom in jail, but let's also talk about how mothers involved in the criminal justice system are less likely to get evidence based treatment. Work let by @tylerwinkelman referenced below.
Good transition to talking about the family & transition to treating the family as a whole. Keeping moms/babies together is the central premise of the newly released @AmerAcadPeds statement on neonatal opioid withdrawal. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/146/5/e2020029074
Ok, then it talks about a mom being scheduled for "detox" and this is problematic. Detoxing suggests not using medications for opioid use disorder, like buprenorphine/methadone. We know these medications save lives, but women can't get them. https://twitter.com/stephenwpatrick/status/1294292806048063488?s=20
Now talking about the benefits of medications like subutex.
Here's why this is important. These medications reduce risk of relapse, overdose and death. For pregnant women it also increases the likelihood a baby will be born at term.
Here's why this is important. These medications reduce risk of relapse, overdose and death. For pregnant women it also increases the likelihood a baby will be born at term.
Important transition to @MikeDeWine talking about improving funding for child welfare. This is critical. It's not just state funded that needs to increase, there's also a substantial need for increased federal funding too.
Gov DeWine realized the issue, doubled funding.
Gov DeWine realized the issue, doubled funding.
Really focused now on positive recovery stories, and these are so important.
"I just want to be a good mom." Important line to close ... how can we help mothers achieve this goal?
Finished the program. There's a lot of really positive messages here.
- Recovery is possible
- Systems (e.g., child welfare, courts) need to support recovery
I'm grateful that a major news organization like @CNN @lisaling would focus on this issue.
- Recovery is possible
- Systems (e.g., child welfare, courts) need to support recovery
I'm grateful that a major news organization like @CNN @lisaling would focus on this issue.
Issues here are complex and they are messy. Getting the language right is important.
The issues surrounding child welfare are also complex, they extend from the federal government, to the states, to local communities.
As we start a new administration, this should be a focus
The issues surrounding child welfare are also complex, they extend from the federal government, to the states, to local communities.
As we start a new administration, this should be a focus
States need help. Parents need help. Hospitals/pediatricians need help. https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-18-196
But the beginning of all of this is evidence-based treatment which pregnant women, in many communities, cannot find. Step 1. Get moms treatment. Don't make it so hard.
So what terms should we use instead of babies “born addicted?” Here’s a thread. https://twitter.com/stephenwpatrick/status/1170712147007066117
Here’s a good reference from @NIDAnews https://www.drugabuse.gov/nidamed-medical-health-professionals/health-professions-education/words-matter-terms-to-use-avoid-when-talking-about-addiction
