Opioid Abuse & Suicide has become a major public health crisis in the United States, with over 130 people dying every day from opioid-related drug overdoses. But the impact of this epidemic goes beyond just overdose deaths. Opioid abuse has also been linked to an increase in suicide rates, particularly in rural areas. In this article, we will explore the connection between opioid abuse and suicide and discuss the Rural Opioid Abuse Prevention Act, a new legislation aimed at addressing this issue. Studies have shown that individuals who abuse opioids are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This is due to the effects of opioids on the brain, which can lead to changes in mood, behavior, and decision-making. Opioid abuse can also exacerbate underlying mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, which are known risk factors for suicide. In addition, the social and economic consequences of opioid abuse, such as job loss, financial strain, and strained relationships, can also contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair, increasing the risk of suicide. In response to the growing opioid epidemic and its impact on rural communities, the Rural Opioid Abuse Prevention Act was introduced in Congress in 2019. This legislation aims to address the unique challenges faced by rural areas in combating opioid abuse and its consequences. The act includes provisions for increasing access to treatment and recovery services in rural areas, as well as funding for prevention and education programs. It also includes measures to improve data collection and monitoring of opioid abuse in rural communities, which can help inform future prevention efforts. One of the lesser-known consequences of opioid abuse is the risk of colon burst, also known as colonic perforation. This occurs when the colon becomes weakened and ruptures due to chronic constipation caused by opioid use. This can lead to serious complications, including sepsis and death. The risk of colon burst is particularly high in individuals who abuse opioids through injection, as the drugs can cause damage to the colon and surrounding tissues. This is just one of the many devastating consequences of opioid abuse that highlights the urgent need for prevention and treatment efforts. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid abuse, it is important to seek help immediately. There are many resources available, including hotlines, support groups, and treatment centers. Remember, recovery is possible and seeking help is the first step towards a healthier and happier life. The connection between opioid abuse and suicide is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. The Rural Opioid Abuse Prevention Act is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address this crisis. By raising awareness and providing support and resources, we can help prevent opioid abuse and save lives.

2. Anger, confusion, and hopelessness can easily be
introduced into meaningful conversations of faith,
mercy, grace. and hope which can distort your
vision and goals.
VOICES OF RECOVERY

3. Recognition of recovery successes with OTHERS
is very important. Pedestrian awareness and
understanding of mental and substance use
disorders encourages independent thinking.
People in need of treatment and recovery services
often are interdependent and find difficulty seeking
help.
VOICES OF RECOVERY

4. CELEBRATE VOICES OF RECOVERY encourages
individuals living with this disease to recognize
dedicated workers whom provide the prevention,
treatment, and recovery support services making
life possible again.
VOICES OF RECOVERY

5. If you have a mental health condition, you're not alone. One in 5 American
adults experiences some form of mental illness in any given year. And
across the population, 1 in every 20 adults is living with a serious mental
health condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or long-term
recurring major depression.
As with other serious illnesses, mental illness is not your fault or that of the
people around you, but widespread misunderstandings about mental
illness remain.
VOICES OF RECOVERY

6. VOICES OF RECOVERY
Set
What is your Vision?

7. VOICES OF RECOVERY
Partner
What are your “goals” for the future?

8. VOICES OF RECOVERY
Develop
Have you planned to see a health care provider?

9. VOICES OF RECOVERY
Practice
Do you have confidence when making decisions?

10. VOICES OF RECOVERY
Share
Are you comfortable relaxing around friends?

11. VOICES OF RECOVERY
Strengthen
Is your story complicated and stressful to you or others?

12. VOICES OF RECOVERY
Enhance
Are you opposed to learning how to talk about your problems?

13. VOICES OF RECOVERY
Learn
Is it difficult to listen for mental health treatment options?

14. VOICES OF RECOVERY
Wellness Recovery Action Plan
 Can also be very helpful for your loved one to plan his overall care, and
how to avoid a crisis. If he will not work with you on a plan, you can
make one on your own. Go over the plan with your loved one, and if he
is comfortable doing so, with his doctor.
 Below you are going to read a sample wellness recovery action plan.
During this presentation you are then going to practice building your
own wellness recovery action plan. Any area that you have trouble
filling out use this slide presentation to guide you in finding resources.

15. VOICES OF RECOVERY
Wellness Recovery Action Plan
 Phone numbers for your loved one’s therapist, psychiatrist and other
healthcare providers.
 Family members and friends who would be helpful
 Phone numbers of family members or friends who would be helpful in a
crisis.
 Local crisis line number (you can usually find this by contacting your
NAMI Affiliate, or by doing an internet search for “mental health crisis
services” and the name of your county).

16. VOICES OF RECOVERY
Wellness Recovery Action Plan
 The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
 Your address and phone number(s)
 Addresses of walk-in crisis centers or emergency rooms
 Your loved one’s diagnosis and medications
 Previous psychosis or suicide attempts

17. VOICES OF RECOVERY
Wellness Recovery Action Plan
 History of drug use Triggers
 Things that have helped in the past
 Mobile Crisis Unit phone number in the area (if there is one)
 Determine if police officers in the community have Crisis Intervention
Training (CIT)

18. Wellness Recovery Action Plan
 Keep copies in several places. Store a copy in a drawer in your kitchen,
your
glove compartment, on your smartphone, your bedside table, or in your
wallet. Also, keep a copy in a room in your home that has a lock and a phone.
 Now that you know that you are able to build your own wellness recovery
action plan, Let’s use this presentation to build a “Relapse Action Plan.”

19. VOICES OF RECOVERY
How do we know the symptoms are returning?
List signs and symptoms of relapse: 1. 2. 3.
Relapse Action Plan
The person with the mental health condition and the family should talk together. After
talking about what’s wrong both should agree on the following parts of their plan:

20. VOICES OF RECOVERY
When the symptoms on line 2 appear, we will: ♦ ♦ ♦
Relapse Action Plan
When the symptoms on line 1 appear, we will: ♦ ♦ ♦

21. When the symptoms on line 3 appear, we will: ♦ ♦ ♦
When will we think about going to the hospital?
Relapse Action Plan
VOICES OF RECOVERY

22. VOICES OF RECOVERY
Relapse Action Plan
What type of behavior would make us consider doing this?
When will we think about calling 911?
What type of behavior would make us consider doing this?

23. Thank You for taking the time to read this presentation
PACE TULSA AGS FOUNDATION • NAMI MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
We educate.
Offered in thousands of communities across the United States
through NAMI state organizations and affiliates, our education
programs ensure hundreds of thousands of families, individuals,
professionals, students and educators get the support and
information they need.
VOICES OF RECOVERY

24. VOICES OF RECOVERY
We advocate.
NAMI shapes national public policy for people with mental illness and their
families and provides volunteer leaders with the tools, resources and skills
necessary to save mental health in all states.
We listen.
Our toll-free NAMI HelpLine (1-800-950-NAMI (6264)) responds to hundreds
of thousands of requests each year, providing free referral, information and
support.

25. VOICES OF RECOVERY
We lead.
Public awareness events and activities, including Mental Illness Awareness
Week and NAMIWalks, successfully fight stigma and encourage
understanding.
To learn more about NAMI • Visit www.nami.org • Call the NAMI HelpLine:
800-950-NAMI (6264) • Email the NAMI Helpline: info@nami.org Find a
NAMI near you: www.nami.org/local Information about NAMI’s education
classes, presentation and support groups: www.nami.org/programs.
To learn more about PACE TULSA AGS FOUNDATION • 12 NATIONAL
PUBLIC SAFETY CAMPAIGNS • Email the Information@pacetulsa.com
Find a Public Safety Office near you: www.pacetulsa.com/Subscribe