26 Real Policy Steps To Address Opioid Addiction [NationalMemo.com]

Mary Beth Colliins posted:

This article misses an incredibly important aspect of true comprehensive service and prevention:   the needs of children whose parents struggle with addiction.   The suggested policies in the prevention category neglects to mention that children with parents with addiction are more likely to develop it themselves.  This is the most vulnerable population.   With today's ever-increasing knowledge of intergenerational trauma, we can no longer continue to accept that these children in need go without support and services.  Not every child is predestined to a lifetime of addiction.  But as we know with all ACEs, living with parental addiction increases great risk.  Further, addiction is a weighted ACE and typically brings with it additional ACEs that further increase vulnerability and risk.   We will never adequately address the current epidemic, and possibly ensure the next drug-related one, until communities embrace this important aspect of service and prevention.  In last fall's Surgeon General Report on Alcohol, Drugs & Health, SG. Murthy asked "Are we as a nation willing to take on an epidemic that is causing great human suffering and economic loss?"  The answer must be yes, but the true test of our intentions will be whether we will protect the youngest and most vulnerable among us.  We can't afford to NOT include them in our comprehensive community plan. And advocates need to go to their policy makers and insist on this inclusion, because time after time the children are the first hurt and the last helped, if helped at all.  Until they develop the addiction themselves.

I agree with you wholeheartedly, Mary Beth. I write extensively on this issue and the importance of addressing it - not only for the child/adult child but for that child's children (i.e., parenting with ACEs) - here's an example: https://www.pacesconnection.com/...rinking-related-aces

Thank you for this astute observation, Mary Beth. This is why it is incumbent upon us to keep raising awareness of ACEs in our communities.

This article misses an incredibly important aspect of true comprehensive service and prevention:   the needs of children whose parents struggle with addiction.   The suggested policies in the prevention category neglects to mention that children with parents with addiction are more likely to develop it themselves.  This is the most vulnerable population.   With today's ever-increasing knowledge of intergenerational trauma, we can no longer continue to accept that these children in need go without support and services.  Not every child is predestined to a lifetime of addiction.  But as we know with all ACEs, living with parental addiction increases great risk.  Further, addiction is a weighted ACE and typically brings with it additional ACEs that further increase vulnerability and risk.   We will never adequately address the current epidemic, and possibly ensure the next drug-related one, until communities embrace this important aspect of service and prevention.  In last fall's Surgeon General Report on Alcohol, Drugs & Health, SG. Murthy asked "Are we as a nation willing to take on an epidemic that is causing great human suffering and economic loss?"  The answer must be yes, but the true test of our intentions will be whether we will protect the youngest and most vulnerable among us.  We can't afford to NOT include them in our comprehensive community plan. And advocates need to go to their policy makers and insist on this inclusion, because time after time the children are the first hurt and the last helped, if helped at all.  Until they develop the addiction themselves.