Called by God to wholeness in body, mind and spirit: Today’s topic: Avoiding or Healing from Substance Abuse Hosted by St. Anthony Family Program and the St. Anthony Substance Abuse Prevention Team January 19-20 - Parish Life Center
Welcome! We are all called by God to try to be whole and healthy in mind, body and spirit. Today, we will talk about the challenge that substance abuse can pose to following God’s call: You will hear about a high school student who became a heroin addict, and, fortunately, has recovered. You will also hear lots of facts and myths about substance abuse. You will have a chance to talk about what you hear
Why are we doing this session today? This is real and it can happen to you. A key step to avoiding or stopping Substance Abuse is learning the facts and myths about it and talking about it as a family. We hope today’s session will help break down the stigma about discussing substance abuse in your family so you can avoid it or heal from it.
Agenda Introduction – 5 minutes Erika Bozich’s story told by her sister, Kris Bachman – 20 minutes Table discussion – 5 minutes Facts and Myths about substance abuse, Brad Schimel – 30 minutes Table discussion - 5 minutes Time for Sharing & Questions and Answers - 15 minutes Survey and Wrap-up – 5 minutes
Today’s speakers Kris Bachman – Parish member and mother of 3 Kris tells her younger sister, Erika’s, story of how casual opioid use in high school turned into a full blown heroin addiction, and gives her advice to kids and parents about substance abuse. Brad Schimel – Family Program Parent Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge with extensive experience in dealing with the drug issue as Waukesha County DA and Wisconsin Attorney General Brad will talk about: The magnitude of the epidemic The myths/stigma of substance abuse What kids and parents should do about it
Kris Bachman telling her sister, Erika Bozich’s, story of heroin addiction
Family Table Discussion Question Options 5 minutes What part of Erika Bozich’s story about heroin addiction surprised you the most? What are some of the reason kids in high school try drugs or alcohol?
Kris will be available for questions at the end of the Program today
Brad Schimel Facts and Myths about Substance Abuse
Prescription Painkiller Abuse in Wisconsin Sharing a Dose of Reality Brad Schimel Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge
WI Opiate Deaths Per 100,000; 2000- 16
Opioid deaths down in Wisconsin last year for first time since 2015 Wisconsin State Journal Aug 15, 2019
It is not just the deaths: Dramatic increases in ALL crime Increases in child removal from homes Pre-natal addiction Economic harm Human suffering 13 WI DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 9/30/2015
The Myths MYTH: Painkillers are completely safe because they are prescribed by a doctor. DOSE OF REALITY: Prescription painkillers have been involved with more deaths than heroin and cocaine combined 14 WI DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 9/30/2015
Overdose by Drug Type
Awareness – Who is being impacted? MYTH: This is just affecting the “bad kids” DOSE OF REALITY: Young people from all walks of life are becoming addicted* *It is not just affecting young people 16 WI DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 9/30/2015
Isn’t Heroin the real problem? MYTH: Illicit drugs (i.e. heroin and fentanyl) are the cause of most of the problem
Prescription painkillers are the root of the problem DOSE OF REALITY: More than 4 out of 5 heroin users began by abusing prescription painkillers
Awareness – Sources of Abused Opioids MYTH 1: People obtain prescription painkillers “on the street” MYTH 2: Most people abusing painkillers get them legally from a doctor 19 WI DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 9/30/2015
Awareness – Friends & Family • DOSE OF REALITY WHEN THEY STARTED: 70.8 % got or took them from friend or relative (NIH: The Science of Drug Abuse 7 Addiction, 2010) 21 WI DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 9/30/2015
Very Simple Prevention Message • Take meds ONLY as prescribed TO YOU by a physician • Store meds safely and SECURELY • DISPOSE of meds properly/promptly
Drug Take Back May ‘15 = Over 39,000 lbs Oct. ‘15 = Over 44,000 lbs Apr. ‘16 = Over 64,000 lbs Oct . ‘16 = nearly 59,000 lbs Apr. ‘17 = nearly 68,000 lbs Oct. ‘17 = Over 63,000 lbs April ‘18 = Over 63,000 lbs October ‘18 = Over 72,000 lbs
Wisconsin DOJ Drug Take Back Totals 2015 through 2018 400 Permanent Med Return Units • 265 law enforcement agencies • Over 472,000 pounds (Net Weight) • 25 semi trucks full •
Awareness – “Not in our neighborhood” MYTH: Heroin addiction is an urban problem stemming from street drugs 26 WI DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 9/30/2015
Just an Urban Problem? DOSE OF REALITY: It’s affecting communities of all kinds: urban, suburban and rural
In just 8 years:
Multi-Faceted Approach Law Enforcement • Locking addicted users up does not lead to long-term sobriety • Tougher dealer network to unravel Treatment • 163,000+ opiate abusers in Wisconsin (2013) Prevention – Most important
The bigger storm… 1. Reduced proliferation of Rx narcotics = addicted users turning faster to heroin 2. Fentanyl 2. Switch to Methamphetamine 3. Marijuana 4. Synthetic drugs
Why don’t they just stop?!? • Narcan: a blessing or a curse? • ADDICTION IS A DISEASE! • They don’t start with narcotics The disease is progressive… •
It is NOT hopeless Medical community response • Treatment Courts in over 70% of • counties Expanded treatment availability • Medication Assisted Treatment • Expanded Narcan availability • Changing attitudes • Disease focus •
What can you do? You are NOT your child’s friend • Constitution does not apply to you • Watch the “little stuff” • THC and alcohol remain the primary • gateway drugs Best prevention tool is a nosey • parent Lead by example • Educate yourselves •
What can you do? • Role of Faith • People in recovery • Charles’ story
Family Discussion Question Options 5 minutes Name something that you learned from Brad Schimel’s presentation that you didn’t know before. What is something you can do to convince your friends not to try drugs or alcohol? How would you get help for a friend that is using drugs or alcohol?
Brad and Kris will now take questions or you can share something from your table discussion for about 15 minutes Brad and Kris will also both be available after Family Program today for Questions
Take-Aways and Next Steps Educate yourself about Substance Abuse Kris Bachman: “No demon will ever beaten by letting it hide in the shadows” Brad Schimel: Parents, be observant and involved with your kids. Talk to them, be nosy, know their friends, watch for changes in them. Kids go to your parents and talk with your family about things that are going on.
Educational Opportunities God calls us to wholeness in body, mind and spirit. Pray, become informed, and talk with your family about Substance Abuse. Check out the St. Anthony Substance Abuse Prevention team’s website at (Link in Human Concerns Section of Bulletins): https://www.stanthony.cc/substance-abuse-team Join the next St. Anthony Substance Abuse Team Meeting Thursday, Feb 20, 6:30pm at St. Anthony Contact Dcn Dennis Petrie for more info, petriedj@gmail.com
Thank you to our Speakers! Kris Bachman Brad Schimel Brad and Kris and Substance Abuse Prevention Team Members will be available for questions after Family Program adjourns
Please take a moment to fill out the survey at your table Students, considering journaling about what impacted you most when you are home
Closing Prayer God of Love and Mercy Graciously ease our burdens from this epidemic, calm our anxieties, and strengthen our faith. Increase our trust and confidence in Your caring goodness. May you bless each day with Your healing grace. Bless us with health in mind and body. Fill our hearts with hope and Peace. Grant us the courage we need to face all trials and difficulties. Restore lives. Remind us always that You make miracles happen. Amen
Thank you!
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