The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced that more than 100,000 people died of drug overdoses during the 12-month period ending April 2021. Health officials described the dramatic increase in overdose deaths as an example of the devastating effects of COVID-19 as it spreads far beyond the disease itself. The fear of infection by COVID-19 and the mandates arising from it, defined by distancing and isolation, caused many disruptions to the everyday functions of the courts, probation, treatment services and social service agencies. [Learn More]
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Officer Jermaine Galloway, better known as "The Tall Cop," will be an ongoing featured contributor to the Averhealth Digest on drug trends — providing you with highlights of street drug trends your clients may be using. If you are testing for the same drugs day after day, you are probably missing the drugs being used! Learn how to stay current on the most recent drug trends and how your drug testing program plays an integral role in your clients' recovery process. This month, Officer Galloway discusses the Loperamide trend (aka: Imodium).
Opioids continue to be one of the main trending drugs nationwide. From small to large communities, opioids remain readily available, but there is an alternative drug that works just like an opioid - Loperamide.
Loperamide is a non-prescription (over-the-counter), anti-diarrhea drug that comes in the form of a pill, tablet, or liquid; mainly sought after and used for “upset stomach”, the public knows it as Imodium.
What some don’t realize is the value that Loperamide can carry for those who might be abusing opioids, are going through opioid withdrawals, or are attempting to avoid detection during a drug test. Loperamide, in VERY high (dangerous) doses, works very similar to opioids in the body. When used in this very high dose many have reported “it feels similar to heroin”.
Most Loperamide pills contain 2 milligrams each. Abusers of this drug may use up to 150 pills to achieve this similar high. Class attendees in the mental health and law enforcement fields have provided valuable feedback regarding this trend. During one class, in a rural Midwest city, a provider shared a story about an elderly patient (over 70 years old) who would use Loperamide in very high doses when she could not get a prescription for pain medication.
Keep in mind that Loperamide is not expensive, readily available, and sold at retail outlets in most cities, including very rural areas. Furthermore, a person can purchase large amounts of this drug and it is not reported, monitored, or tracked. Providing education for parents, communities, and schools is essential since most people do not realize that Loperamide can work similar to opioids.
This trend has remained popular for many years; there are FDA warnings dating back to 2016 highlighting the dangers of Loperamide.
In closing, Loperamide in high doses, is a drug of concern that is being used and abused in communities. Training is key. “You can’t stop what you don’t know.”
Trainer Info
Tall Cop Says Stop is a national & international trainer who has trained over 500,000 people. Learn more: www.tallcopsaysstop.com
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Industry News
A Proclamation on National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2021
Every year, thousands of lives are needlessly lost on our Nation’s roadways because of alcohol — and drug-impaired driving. These are avoidable tragedies that leave deep holes in our Nation’s families and communities. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we reaffirm our commitment to preventing impaired driving. We remember the victims and honor their memory by making the responsible decision to drive sober and ensure that others do the same. [Learn More]
In Memoriam – Ann Wilson
Averhealth joins the treatment court community is mourning the loss of Ann Wilson, who passed away on November 29. Ann was a pioneer who helped lead the expansion of treatment court programs throughout her home state of Missouri and across the nation as a beloved faculty member of NADCP.
The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Ann was inducted into the NADCP Stanley Goldstein Treatment Court Hall of Fame in 2008. Attendees of NADCP’s annual RISE conference will remember her as the continuing education guru who spent countless hours helping attendees get their CE credits, always with a smile on her face. She will be profoundly missed but never forgotten, and her contributions to this movement will be felt for generations.
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