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Categories News Tags Awards, Naloxone, Narcan, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Bizzell Wins Two 2023 MUSE Creative Awards for Public Health Projects

Bizzell Wins Two 2023 MUSE Creative Awards for Public Health Projects

Bizzell was awarded two 2023 MUSE Creative Awards; a Gold award for a video and Silver award for a publication, both designed to support the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network Dissemination Initiative, which aims to reduce the gap that exists between the publication of research on treatment of substance use disorders and implementation in clinical practice.

This year, Bizzell received the top honor of a Gold MUSE Creative Award in the Video-Educational category for the Reducing the Risks of Fentanyl in the U.S. This video was created in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy in response to rising rates of drug overdose deaths involving opioids. The video also stresses that everyone can be a first responder by carrying naloxone.

Bizzell also won a Silver MUSE Creative Award in the Publication category for the What is Fentanyl Infographic. This infographic was produced in response to the more than 80,000 opioid overdose deaths that occurred in 2020 driven by the illegally produced fentanyl that contaminates illegally produced opioids and benzodiazepines, as well as cocaine and synthetic cannabinoids. Additional information is provided regarding the impact of fentanyl on minorities, the need for broad-reaching awareness and education about the risks of fentanyl exposure, the warning signs of a possible overdose, how to reverse an overdose, and the use of naloxone.

About The MUSE Creative Awards

The MUSE Creative Awards is part of the MUSE Awards Program, which was created by the IAA in 2015. IAA’s inception was based on a mission to honor, promote and encourage creativity by providing a new standard of excellence for evaluation media design production and distribution. IAA’s mission has largely shaped MCA’s goal.

Website: MUSE Creative Awards

Categories Blog Tags Behavioral Health, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Supporting Drug Prevention Week

Supporting Drug Prevention Week

By Todd W. Mandel, MD, Bizzell US

National Prevention Week is a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) led national public education campaign highlighting the work of communities and organizations dedicated to raising awareness about substance misuse prevention and positive mental health. Observed May 7–13, this week-long endeavor encourages preventative initiatives and tactics designed to increase positive mental health outcomes.

This collaborative effort helps to strengthen prevention efforts and create a culture of health and wellness, bringing together individuals, organizations, and communities across the country. Please visit the Prevention Week homepage to register and join SAMHSA in honoring of the work of their partners in prevention and celebrating stories of success.

There are numerous dangers of substance use disorders (SUDs) that can affect both an individual’s physical and mental health. SUDs can cause changes in brain chemistry that can facilitate the development of mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. SUDs contribute to potentially fatal overdoses, and other issues such as heart disease, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory issues. Additionally, SUDs can disrupt personal relationships, cause financial problems, and even lead to legal issues.

According to the CDC figures cited by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), 107,375 people in the United States died of drug overdoses and drug poisonings in the 12-month period ending in January 2022 [1]United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2022, April 29). Fentanyl Awareness. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://www.dea.gov/fentanylawareness. A staggering 67 percent of those deaths involved synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, with some of these deaths attributed to fentanyl mixed with other illicit drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. This illicit mixture leaves many users unaware they were taking fentanyl, further contributing to overdoses. Only two milligrams of fentanyl can be a potentially lethal dose, particularly for someone who does not have an opioid tolerance. Recent data from the DEA indicates that Fentanyl is involved in more deaths of Americans under 50 than any cause of death, including heart disease, cancer, homicide, suicide, and accident-related deaths [1]United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2022, April 29). Fentanyl Awareness. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://www.dea.gov/fentanylawareness.

While the focus of National Prevention Week is providing an educational forum to encourage people to not start using substances, for those who are already facing challenges with SUDs, effective treatments are available. There are also other strategies and resources for overdose prevention. Bizzell US, through its work with The National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network, produced online educational resources on topics for screening, fentanyl overdose prevention, and treatment for methamphetamine use disorder:

Prevention efforts such as education and awareness campaigns, early intervention programs, and easy access to treatment and support are essential to reduce drug use and its harmful consequences. By working together as a community to prioritize drug use prevention, we can help individuals and families avoid the devastating effects of drug addiction, promoting a safer and healthier future for everyone.

 

References

[1] United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2022, April 29). Fentanyl Awareness. Retrieved May 9, 2023, from https://www.dea.gov/fentanylawareness.

 

Categories Insights Tags Behavioral Health, CEO Insights, Health, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

3 Xanax Addiction Signs to Lookout For

3 Xanax Addiction Signs to Lookout For

Nearly 52 million Americans 18 and older are living with a mental illness and/or substance use disorder.  In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of people suffering from panic disorders and anxiety are increasing. A common medication for treating panic disorders and anxiety is a prescription drug called Xanax. While Xanax can help relieve anxiety and panic symptoms, it is highly addictive. It is important that individuals taking Xanax become aware of the signs of an addiction to Xanax, which can include withdrawing from relationships and preoccupation with your Xanax use.  As individuals become preoccupied with maintaining a steady supply of Xanax, financial troubles and concerning behaviors may increase. In a recent WebMD Connect to Care article on signs of Xanax addiction, Dr. Anton C. Bizzell, CEO of The Bizzell Group and a substance abuse expert, highlighted some additional telltale signs: “Maintaining a supply of the drug on hand, mixing with alcohol or other drugs, and developing dangerous behaviors to obtain the prescription, including stealing or getting it from the streets.”

Recognizing the signs of an addiction is an important step towards getting help to treat an addiction—for yourself or others you love.

READ MORE: 3 Xanax Addiction Signs to Lookout For

Categories BHARC, Insights Tags CEO Insights, Health, Infectious Disease, Mental Health, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Why Overdose Awareness Matters More Than Ever

Why Overdose Awareness Matters More Than Ever

International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31st, began in Australia 20 years ago to raise awareness of overdoses, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and remind us of the grief felt by the families and friends of those who have died due to substance use disorders (SUD). Today, International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized in more than 40 countries.

Isolation individuals have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health and SUD challenges, and reduced access to supportive communities and behavioral health care. Substance use and overdose deaths have increased during the pandemic.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and others have developed approaches, tips, and guidance for managing your mental health during this time, as well as links for locating treatment for substance use disorders. Anton C. Bizzell, MD, President/CEO of The Bizzell Group, has dedicated his career to improving access to quality substance abuse, mental health, and medical treatment and prevention services, and writes about timely behavioral health solutions in his monthly Psychology Today column, Mind Your Health. You can make a difference too, by accessing these resources and promoting behavioral health in your community.

Read more: Why Overdose Awareness Matters More Than Ever

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