Unresolved Grief and Loss Issues Related to Heroin Recovery
This book will provide a solid framework for therapists / clinicians to assist individuals recovering from heroin addiction. During the recovery process it is common for the individual recovering from heroin to not share their true feelings of grief and loss because of the attachment to heroin. There are feelings of grief and loss with the drug itself, the heroin culture, the heroin lifestyle and the loss of needle obsession / ritual. The individual has relied on the drug for comfort as one would depend on a spouse or a best friend. When the heroin is taken away by the route of drug rehabilitation the individual will experience a loss similar to a death of a loved one. This book is important to add an additional way for the therapist(s) to assist the recovering individual to develop appropriate coping skills to discuss the losses. If these losses are not properly addressed the individual will experience disenfranchised grief.
The Positive Direction Model: Opioid Use & Pregnancy
There are immediate concerns for a woman using opioids during pregnancy along with her infant being exposed to opioids in utero resulting in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS: withdrawal symptoms experienced by the infant after birth affecting the autonomic, gastrointestinal and the neurological systems. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health Statistics in their 2014 research stated: an estimated 225,000 infants are exposed to illicit substances each year and the numbers are increasing; every 25 minutes an infant is born exposed to opioids and is diagnosed with NAS. In 2014 the annual health care cost was $1.5 billion for infants with NAS admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and stayed for 16 or more days. The health care costs can be lowered if information / education regarding opioids & pregnancy are given to the mother early.
The Positive Direction Model is an educational guide specifically for pregnant women, families and advocates as they are collaborating with health care / medical providers during pregnancy under the guidance of a Navigator. The Positive Direction Model prepares the mother of expectations during pregnancy along with understanding NAS. The results of the Positive Direction Model: increase self-efficacy, a safe delivery of the infant and continued sobriety for a healthy environment beyond the pregnancy.
Management of Opioid Dependency During Pregnancy
The purpose of this course is to provide healthcare professionals with the information necessary to appropriately care for pregnant women with opioid dependence who are or are planning to become pregnant in order to minimize the adverse effects on the mother and fetus. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
- Identify the biologic effects of opioid use and abuse on women.
- Describe the impact of opioid use on pregnancy and the importance of early recognition and prenatal care.
- Outline the medications used for opioid-maintenance therapy (OMT) in patients who are pregnant.
- Discuss the impact of opioid exposure in utero on fetal development and neonatal health.
- Evaluate the important aspect of discharge planning for infants treated for neonatal abstinence syndrome.
This 2-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.