--- title: June Averhealth Digest --- The latest information about substance use monitoring best practices and related industry news from around the web. | View in browser Positive Language for Stigma Reduction Language towards those with substance use disorder is a crucial part of their recovery process. The words and phrases we use frame the public perception on addiction and recovery, affecting how individuals see themselves and their ability to change. How we address those with substance use disorder can, intentionally or unintentionally, propel stigma and create a mark of disgrace, dishonor and segregates the individual from believing they can defeat their addiction.   Stigma decreases when the public perceives individuals with addiction as not being responsible for causing his/her problem and that they are unable to control it. Did you know that those with substance use disorder are perceived more negatively than those with psychiatric disabilities, although both are considered brain chemistry disorders?\[Learn More\] Upcoming Conferences We hope to see you at NADCP's RISE21 and APPA's 46th Annual Training Institute this summer! Proud Platinum Sponsor       Proud Corporate Member Drug Trends — Kratom Officer Jermaine Galloway, better known as "The Tall Cop," is 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 Kratom and its rise in popularity.          The popularity of the street drug Kratom (aka Mitragyna Speciosa the plant name) has continued to increase among all age groups. This article will highlight the popularity of Kratom, the why and how it is used, its forms, and where it can be purchased.  What is Kratom? Why so popular? Kratom is a natural herb/plant….it is NOT a synthetic. Meaning Kratom is grown and not made in a lab. Kratom is not regulated in most states (as a few states do have regulations on Kratom) and it is not a scheduled drug federally. This basically means you can purchase it in most states at retail stores or you can order it online. Most states do not have an age restriction on Kratom and there are no quantity limits for possession of it. Why do people use it and how do people use it? This is the big question that really can’t be completely answered in a brief article. Kratom is a natural, herbal painkiller. It is a drug that makes its way to the U.S. mostly from other countries, primarily coming from Asia. Those individuals with substance use disorder, will use it for its pain killer effects and others might use it as “addiction replacement.”  Drug seekers of Kratom will use it in place of opioids and others will use it to help with opioid withdrawals. Some might use Kratom as an alternative drug knowing that it will not show up on their drug test because they are aware of what drugs they are tested for so it is important that in your drug testing program you rotate drug testing panels so you are not testing for the same drugs over and over again. Some youth (who might not fall under the above reasons) might gravitate to Kratom due to it being available in retail stores and not regulated in their state. Basic Info The drug Kratom will sometimes be marketed under different names or variations of those names such as: Maeng Da; Borneo; Bali; and Indo. Basically, the different names are various strains of Kratom that work differently.  Also, the packaging and labeling of Kratom can look vastly different due to the fact it is not standardized or consistent.   Kratom Forms Powder (generally added to tea) Capsules Leaf Drink Dropper Mouth spray Vape oil For More Info https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/kratom https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom       Trainer Info Tall Cop Says Stop is a national & international trainer who has trained over 500,000 people. Learn more: www.tallcopsaysstop.com Averhealth Academy Has Launched! Averhealth is excited to present our brand-new self-directed training platform for our customers within Aversys – Averhealth Academy! This training platform features Aversys how-to’s and other drug testing education training to provide you the best customer experience! Training Topics Include: Aversys How-To Videos and Best Practices Drug Testing Education Welcome to Averhealth Popular Resources State-Specific Information We hope you enjoy the new ease and accessibility of Averhealth Academy! If you do not see something you are looking for, we will be sending out a survey within the month to learn what you like and what training recommendations you would like us to include. Thank you for your ongoing partnership with Averhealth! Customer Login  Click Here to Login to Aversys and Visit Averhealth Academy! Directions for Accessing Averhealth Academy: Login to Aversys Click the help button to the far right, displaying the drop-down menu In the drop-down menu, click Averhealth Academy Industry News Substance Use Disorder: The Power of Acceptance Neither beating yourself up about your prior addiction nor trying to ignore it will help recovery. But practicing acceptance as a mindset can.   You made a choice to select an “alternate route” in navigating your life and embark on the road to recovery.   Treatment and therapy may have unpacked your substance use disorder as well as the reasons that led to the addiction in the first place. Now it’s time to lean into another part of this path to recovery: acceptance. \[Learn More\]       Medicare’s Discriminatory Coverage Policies For Substance Use Disorders   Medicare covered about 62 million lives in 2020. While often the standard setter for other health care financing systems, Medicare falls far behind the coverage standards of most private and employer-based insurers and Medicaid plans when it comes to substance use disorder services. Medicare essentially covers the least and most intensive services—office-based outpatient counseling and inpatient hospitalizations—for substance use disorder treatment, leaving beneficiaries who need intermediate levels of care without the services they need to recover. This antiquated and discriminatory financing system imposes tremendous burden on beneficiaries and the health care system. \[Learn More\] Let's Connect We want to connect with you on social media! Did you know Averhealth has a Facebook and LinkedIn account? By following our pages, you can make sure you never miss important Averhealth information again!   Click the icons below to follow us! Need a resource? SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) open 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) open 24/7 CSG: Creating a Relapse Prevention Plan Circle of Parents Averhealth, 2916 W. Marshall Street, Suite A, Richmond, VA 23230, 866.680.3106 Unsubscribe | | --- |