Category Archives: Community

Understanding the Deadly Dangers of Fentanyl Use

Posted on by

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has emerged as a significant public health concern due to its alarming prevalence and deadly consequences. While originally developed for medical use as a pain reliever, illicit fentanyl use has skyrocketed in recent years, leading to a surge in overdose deaths and devastating consequences for individuals and communities alike. Understanding the dangers of fentanyl use is crucial in addressing this urgent public health crisis.

Potency

Fentanyl is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and significantly more potent than heroin. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl can cause severe respiratory depression, leading to overdose and death. Due to its potency, fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit prescription pills without the user’s knowledge, increasing the risk of accidental overdose.

Risk

The misuse of fentanyl and its analogs has led to a sharp increase in overdose deaths across the globe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, were involved in nearly 75% of all opioid-related overdose deaths in the United States in 2019. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the opioid epidemic and prevent further loss of life.

Hidden in Street Drugs

One of the most significant dangers of fentanyl use is its clandestine presence in street drugs. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often mixed with other substances, such as heroin or cocaine, to increase potency or extend the drug’s supply. However, without proper dosage control or awareness of fentanyl’s presence, individuals who use these drugs are at high risk of unintentional overdose and death.

Increased Risk of Addiction:

The addictive nature of opioids, including fentanyl, poses a significant risk to individuals who use these substances recreationally or as prescribed. Continued use of fentanyl can lead to physical dependence, tolerance, and addiction, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to stop using the drug without professional help. Moreover, the withdrawal symptoms associated with fentanyl cessation can be severe and contribute to relapse.

Addressing the dangers of fentanyl use requires a multifaceted approach that includes prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and enforcement efforts. Public health initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the risks of fentanyl use, providing naloxone training and distribution, and expanding access to evidence-based treatment options are essential components of an effective response.

Recognizing the dangers of fentanyl use and implementing comprehensive strategies to address the opioid epidemic are critical steps in saving lives and mitigating the impact of this deadly crisis.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Drug Overdose Deaths.” 2021.

2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Fentanyl DrugFacts.” 2020.

3. Drug Enforcement Administration. “Fentanyl.” 2022.

4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” 2021.

CJ Crawford

DrugFree Greenville Public Education Committee

The Culprits in Mental Health

Posted on by

Relationships, school stress, and work worries are the usual suspects that mess with our minds, but hey, sometimes it’s the sneaky world around us that’s pulling the strings. Brace yourself because these four sneaky culprits might just be playing mental health hide-and-seek with you at this very moment! Here are 3 things that likely affect your mental health.

The first culprit is technology.  If you are occupying your time on the World Wide Web then guess what? It is affecting your mental health. You can soak up knowledge, stay connected to health providers, and catch up with loved ones. This brings a mix of perks and pitfalls.  Being overwhelmed with gloomy news and never-ending drama can turn anyone’s mood into a wilted flower, sparking worries about what’s around the corner. Did you know that nearly 60% of young adults (ages 18-25) are seriously fretting about the future of our planet? Social media can stir up FOMO (fear of missing out), the blues, and a dip in self-confidence. Plus, with work emails popping up after hours, thanks to remote work, it’s like the line between work and play got very blurry. 

The second culprit has to do with social drivers. Social drivers of health are like the backstage crew of your well-being, shaping your health behind the scenes. From where you hang your hat to the goodies in your fridge, these sneaky influencers like economic status, education, and even your neighborhood can have a far-reaching impact on your mental health. And let’s not forget the star of the show – the economy, stealing the spotlight in this health drama! Research shows a strong connection between worrying about money and mental distress, and salaries can’t seem to keep up with rising inflation and cost-of-living expenses. A 2023 Gallup poll found that 42% of Americans are worried that they don’t have enough money to pay their normal monthly bills. 

The last culprit is loneliness.  Recent survey findings reveal that over half of adults in the United States (58%) experience feelings of loneliness, especially among low-income individuals, young adults, parents, those from underrepresented racial groups, or individuals living with mental health conditions, who report even higher rates of loneliness. Loneliness is linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression and has connections to psychosis and dementia. Research indicates that minimal social interaction can have a lifespan impact similar to smoking almost a pack of cigarettes daily or struggling with alcoholism, and is twice as detrimental as obesity.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF THE WORLD IS WEIGHING ON YOU? Find your support system, set tech limits and boundaries, change what you can and don’t concern yourself with what you can’t, and find healthy coping skills.  If you have no idea how to do the above suggestions then find a local counselor that can help.  Seeking professional help for mental health shows strength and offers support to manage life’s stressors. Counselors or therapists can help identify issues and coping strategies.

Karla Meeks – Marketing Manager for the Mental Health Clinic of Greenville

Drug-Free Greenville Board Member

The Power of Peer Support: Building a Sober Social Circle

Posted on by

In the journey toward sobriety, building a sober social circle can be instrumental in maintaining recovery and achieving long-term success in overcoming addiction. While professional treatment and therapy play crucial roles, the camaraderie, understanding, and encouragement found within peer groups can provide unique benefits that foster resilience and growth.

Peer support involves individuals with similar experiences coming together to provide mutual assistance, encouragement, and guidance. Peer support groups offer a safe space where you can share your struggles, successes, and strategies for maintaining sobriety. These groups can take various forms, including 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, and other community-based support networks.

Benefits of Building a Sober Social Circle:

1. Shared Understanding and Empathy: In a sober social circle, you can relate to each other’s experiences without fear of judgment or stigma. This sense of camaraderie fosters trust and creates a supportive environment where you feel heard and understood.

2. Accountability and Motivation: Knowing that others are facing similar challenges and rooting for each other’s success can inspire you to stay committed to sobriety goals. Peer support groups often set personal milestones, celebrate achievements, and offer encouragement during difficult times, reinforcing your resolve to stay sober.

3. Learning and Growth: You have the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and gain valuable insights into coping strategies, relapse prevention techniques, and effective recovery tools through educational sessions, guest speakers, and sharing sessions.

4. Building Healthy Relationships: It allows you to establish healthy and meaningful relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and support. Unlike social circles centered around alcohol or substance use, sober peer groups prioritize positive activities, shared interests, and personal growth, fostering genuine connections that contribute to overall well-being.

Tips for Building a Sober Social Circle:

1. Join a support group such as AA, SMART Recovery, or a similar community-based program.

2. Engage in sober activities and events that align with your interests, whether it’s sports, arts and crafts, hiking, or book clubs.

3. Explore online forums, chat groups, and social media platforms dedicated to sobriety and recovery. These virtual communities offer support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, especially for those unable to attend in-person meetings.

The power of peer support in building a sober social circle cannot be overstated. By connecting with individuals who understand the challenges of addiction recovery firsthand, individuals can find strength, inspiration, and hope on their journey to sobriety. Through shared experiences, accountability, and mutual encouragement, peer support groups empower individuals to embrace a sober lifestyle, cultivate healthy relationships, and achieve lasting recovery.

*Sources:*

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition).” 2018.

2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Recovery and Recovery Support.” 2020.

3. Moos, R. H. “Active ingredients of substance use-focused self-help groups.” Addiction, 2015.

4. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help.” 2014.

CJ Crawford

DrugFree Greenville

Public Education Committee

I Didn’t Mean to Abuse My Child

Posted on by

Lorene was a twenty-seven year old widow and mother of two, her children are nine and three. Their world is shattered with the sudden and untimely death of her husband and the children, one who will not have any memories of him now wander into a season of unintended consequences…

The CDC defines child abuse and neglect as “any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child.”

Lorene like so many others can be side swiped by life and left feeling like their trying to find a firm footing while walking and a water bed, there is no firm place to stand and every action causes an unknown and sometimes unwanted reaction. They long for just a modicum of what they once knew as normal. But those moments can be far apart and often too short.

The work of two parents had become doubled upon one leading to long days and lonely nights. She worked so hard to fill the many voids left in her  heart, mind, and life. Her families needs called for courage, and she answered! Her personal needs called also, this was a more difficult call, one that meant choices that would affect both hers and her children’s lives. The medication she entrusted to keep her on an emotional even-keel would be joined by something to help her both begin and end her day. Her once social drinking became a greater and great necessity often conflicting with her medications. Her social life would become a long list of night spots with an even longer list of men who past through their lives. 

At its peak, this led to her placing the youngest in the care of family members for extended periods of time while her oldest was called upon to be a somewhat “Faux” adult, be included in conversations and circumstances that were far beyond him. The neglect of a child isn’t always a willful intended choice, more often, it is a misguided unintentional pursuit of needs, wants, or addictions. Lorene’s neglect of her children began slowly but grew steadily in the shadow of her better judgment. When family members would address it with her she was left with only two choices repent and change her ways, or justify her choices which usually lead to arguments and discord.

Becoming a parent doesn’t mean we lose ourselves and become immune to the struggles of life and effects they may cause. However, we must always remember that our responsibility is to protect, provide, and guide for our children, we are forming a future adult and the early years are important. Trust me, I know first hand because I’m Lorene’s son. I truly love my Mom, and as a Father I can appreciate the challenges she faced. Her neglect wasn’t intentional, but they were choices that left life-long imprints on me. Parents, please make good choices.

Rev. Jimmy Vaughn

Authentic Life Fellowship

DrugFree Greenville Public Education Committee

Know Your Facts

Posted on by

Drug and alcohol abuse is a serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is important to be aware of the facts surrounding these substances in order to make an informed decision about their use. What better time to provide our community with facts concerning drug and alcohol abuse than National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, Monday, March 18, to Sunday, March 24, 2024? 

One of the most alarming facts about drugs and alcohol is their impact on physical health. Substance abuse can lead to a wide range of health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and mental health disorders. Drugs and alcohol can impair judgment, leading to risky behaviors such as driving under the influence or engaging in unsafe sexual practices. They can also have long-term effects on the brain, causing memory loss, cognitive impairment, and addiction. Furthermore, experimenting with drugs and alcohol at a young age can hinder proper brain development and increase the likelihood of developing substance abuse disorders later in life. Unfortunately, for most youth today, health problems that occur years down the road is not preventative measure that will deter youth from experimenting. 

Experimenting with drugs today is vastly different from decades past. In the 1960s and 70s, drug experimentation was often seen as a rebellious act against societal norms, with substances like LSD and marijuana being popular choices. Today, however, drug experimentation is more dangerous than ever due to the rise of synthetic drugs like fentanyl and bath salts. Fentanyl and bath salts are often much more potent and unpredictable than their natural counterparts, leading to a higher risk of overdose and death, leaving families and communities devastated.  Our community takes an especially hard hit because Texas is a national distribution center for illicit drugs. Drug traffickers commonly smuggle illicit drugs into and through the state. Drug traffickers generally use Interstates 10, 20, 25, 30, and 35, as well as U.S. Highways 59, 77, 83, and 281 as primary routes for transporting drugs throughout Texas from Mexico. 

We must work together to prevent access to illegal drugs by children. It is crucial to educate ourselves about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse to protect ourselves and educate our youth about the risks and consequences of drug use.  Drug Free Greenville is a vital program aimed at combating substance abuse and addiction in our community by providing education, prevention, and treatment resources.  This program seeks to create a safer and healthier environment for all residents of Greenville. One of the key components of the Drug Free Greenville programs is its focus on early intervention and educating young people about the dangers of drug use and providing them with alternative coping mechanisms, so we can prevent substance abuse before it starts. Additionally, the program offers support by connecting individuals to resources such as counseling, support groups, and rehabilitation services. 

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to live a healthy and sober life but that decision is easier when you know the facts.

Karla Meeks

Drug Free Greenville Public Education Committee

Marketing Manager of the Mental Health Clinic of Greenville

Gun Safety in the Home

Posted on by

The responsibility for gun safety in the home begins and ends with the adults in the residence. It is imperative that we not only secure our weapons; but that we teach gun safety to our children from a very early age. We do this because we love them and want them to be safe, right?

               There are laws in most states that impose penalties on adults who make firearms accessible to children through negligence, and we will look at Texas statutes in depth in another article. Let’s focus on safety measures here. And I am specifically addressing parents who have children and teens in your home, car, boat, camper, (need I go on?) or those of you that have the potential to have them come to visit.

               First, never leave a gun unattended. Whether loaded or unloaded, never set a gun down and walk away from it. It is too tempting for children, who want to touch everything they see. Always unload your firearm when not in use and store the firearm and the ammunition in separate locations. Lock the firearms in a gun safe, lockbox, cabinet, or with a cable lock. You can often obtain free cable locks from your local police department. Lock the ammunition up as well and keep the keys to the firearms and the ammunition storage in separate locations.

               I have heard people argue many times that they don’t want to search for the keys, have an unloaded weapon, open a safe, etc. while someone is breaking into their home. I completely understand the need to balance protecting your family from intruders while protecting your family from your weapons. There are many varieties of gun lockers and safes that have touch panels for biometric access. They even work when the power is out. If this is a concern for you, consider getting one of these types of gun safes. They can also be installed in vehicles, boats, and so on.

               Children are often curious and impulsive. How many times have you told them not to do something and they do it anyway? That’s their job—to drive us nuts. So even when we give them warnings, kids often want to explore a gun if they find it. It is our duty to protect them!  Talk with children about what to do if they see a gun. Make sure they know not to touch it, to leave the area right away, and tell you or another responsible adult. Kids see guns every day on TV and in video games and they don’t always understand the difference between reality and fantasy. Give them specific steps to memorize and follow: Don’t touch! Leave! Tell!

               If you allow your child or teen to use a firearm for recreation or hunting with you, it is very important that you make sure they understand that it is never OK to handle a gun without you or another responsible adult there. They should always assume a firearm is loaded and never point a gun at someone. Teach them the proper way to unload a firearm and how to check that it is clear. Consider attending a hunter’s education or gun safety class with your child. Greenville PD offers a hunters education class every summer for youth. And finally, always set a good example with your own safe gun handling practices.

CJ Crawford

DrugFree Greenville Board Member

DrugFree Greenville Public Education Committee

What On Earth Am I Here For?

Posted on by

 The meaning of life is an ageless question everyone will ask at some point and time in their lives and how we answer it will have a profound affect on how we view ourselves, how we view others, and how we view our pursuit of life.

  The first and most predominant view is that our purpose is to try and stay alive. At some point in our life, we come to the realization that death is an inevitable outcome for us all and we commit to doing anything and everything we can to stay alive. Some go so far as to isolate themselves from living life, from people, places, and pursuits that could place them at risk thus missing out that all three could add to their life experience.

  Running a very close second is the purpose of being wealthy or famous. Howard Hughes was one of the wealthiest men of his time and when asked how much money is enough? He replied, “one dollar more!”  This life purpose is faulty because both wealthy and fame are fleeting and the price to achieve them can be very, very high. Both money and fame come with their own unique set of challenges, and if we’re being honest most of us will never achieve either.

  In our consumer-based society, we are constantly told we existed to buy and become whatever advertisers are selling, we are continually told we cannot be happy unless we have this item or look a certain way. The unfortunate truth here is that the target for meaning is continuously being moved thus costing us the afore mentioned money while only supplying us with frustration and disappointment.

  So as to not leave you feeling discouraged, I would like to offer you what I know to bring meaning, happiness, and fulfilment to my own life and to the lives of many of the people I know, it’s the truth that life is not about what we have but rather in what we give, “living is giving!” Everyone has something they can give, and I know there is a cause that would welcome you. Giving isn’t exclusively measured by a dollar amount, giving finically is great but often the cause needs more than your money, an even greater gift would be you…your time and your talents will bring even more to the cause and to both those it serves and the others who will be serving alongside you. An additional benefit to giving yourself to causes is that it will help you maintain a healthy perspective about your needs, struggles, and quality of life. Join me in seeking to “live to give” and we’ll make our world a better place, we’ll make our lives a better place, and we’ll leave a legacy that truly means something and will last far beyond our lives.

Rev. Jimmy Vaughn
Pastor of Authentic Life Fellowship; Public Education Committee