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NJ Resident Shares Story of His Opioid Use Disorder
In this insightful article written by Stuart Kemp for nj.com, readers learn about the daily struggles of living with a substance use disorder (SUD). Michael (not his real name) lives in New Jersey and works as a fisherman, and he talks about both his “love” for heroin and “how it ruined my life.” He is honest and forthright about the obstacles he faces, the support he receives from others, and how, in a very real way like many others, his job provides a great sense of freedom when he is working.
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Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the things we are thankful for. I would like to take a moment to thank all of you for your continued support of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and wish you a healthy and safe Thanksgiving surrounded by family, friends and those who matter most.
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Looking to Chiropractic Care as an Alternative to Opioids
This week’s guest blog looks at the role chiropractic care can have in the efforts for safer opioid prescribing. As we continue to battle the evolving opioid crisis, we can’t lose sight of the need to explore alternatives to opioids for pain.
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Veterans Day
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the service to our country by our veterans and extend them a special thank you on Saturday, November 11, when the nation observes Veterans Day. We take this time to honor our veterans for their devotion, their willingness to serve and for the sacrifices they made for our country. This tradition is well over a hundred years old.
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American Medicine Chest Challenge National Day of Awareness
Saturday, November 11, is the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) 15th Annual American Medicine Chest Challenge National Day of Awareness. A national public health initiative to educate the public about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and encourage the safe disposal of prescription drugs through the American Medicine Chest 5-Step Challenge (AMCC).
The AMCC 5-step challenge can help save the lives of our children. We know that many teens who misuse opioids get them from the medicine cabinet of their friends and families, so it is crucial for people to safeguard medicine within their homes.
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Improved Access to Fentanyl Test Strips Will Save Lives
Senator Cory Booker announced plans to increase the availability of fentanyl test strips throughout the nation in the midst of the opioid crisis. He spoke about the need to provide better access to the strips, which can detect deadly fentanyl in other drugs, at a press conference attended by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey at New Bridge Medical Center in Bergen County on Friday, August 25.
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NJ High School Music Competition Now Open!
I am so pleased to share with you the launch of our 20th year of competition for the Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey music competition. Below is information on the competition and I hope you will share with the high school students in your life.
All the best,
Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ -
Refined Approach Successful in Treating Infants Exposed to Opioids
A sad result of the national opioid crisis is the impact being felt by newborns. The United States has seen a large increase in the number of infants born with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Symptoms for NOWS include tremors, excessive crying and irritability, as well as problems with sleeping and eating. As the number of maternal opioid-related diagnoses increased by 131 percent between 2010 and 2017, the number of newborns experiencing NOWS rose by about 82 percent during that same period according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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This Friday is Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day in NJ!
Throughout the last few months, I have shared with you about the upcoming Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day -- and October 6th is just days away. This day is an opportunity to shine a light on the evolving opioid crisis, help reduce stigma, show support for those in recovery, and share information and resources in our schools, families, workplaces, and communities.
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The Evolving Opioid Crisis
We are 10 days away from Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day in New Jersey and as we prepare to commemorate our 8th Annual Day of Awareness and Education I am so gratified by how many NJ residents, business owners, clergy, students, and government officials have signed on to help share resources and information in their communities.