CHC is an active partner in state-and county-wide initiatives. Each year, CHC focuses on specific areas of concern in the community based on studies, surveys, observation, and grant offerings. See our current initiatives for 2024 below!
CHC’s model of care is based on the knowledge that substance use disorders are progressive, fatal illnesses that may require several treatment strategies for successful recovery. The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.
They are, however, treatable conditions that can be managed, much like other chronic illnesses
The words we use to communicate about addiction can change lives for better or for worse. Some of the terms used by friends, family members, and the media can reinforce the stigma of addiction and make it harder to ask for help. To help, we’re sharing some best practices for reducing stigma, isolation, and improving communication.
By changing the language we use to describe substance use disorders and addiction, we can humanize the condition and open the door to real, non-judgmental conversations. We could even save lives.
Describes uncontrollable, compulsive drug-seeking, using and behaviors, despite negative consequences.
The words “addict, junkie, or user” are demeaning and define people by their illnesses, which can be isolating. “Person in active addiction” or “person with an active substance use disorder” emphasize the humanity of the person experiencing the symptoms.
“Patient” accurately refers to a person being medically treated for substance use/other addictive disorder, reinforcing that addictive disorders are health issues.
Saying “habit or drug habit” ignores the medical nature of the condition and implies the person can “break the habit.” Addiction comes with strong compulsions that a person struggles to overcome alone. That’s why there are multiple treatment strategies to help.
Saying “abuse” negates the fact that addictive disorder is a medical condition as well. “Abuse” blames the illness solely on the individual, absolves the drug sellers of wrongdoing, and encourages stigma toward the patient.
Avoid the terms “clean” or “sober,” even if they’re the terms used by the person with a substance use disorder, since they imply that people with substance use disorders are “dirty.”
Try not to say “clean” or “positive/negative” for drug test results, since these terms are confusing to people not in behavioral healthcare.
The recovery community has been using this language for many years. “Person in recovery,” or “long-term recovery,” describes someone who is not using alcohol or other drugs or taking part in compulsive, addictive behaviors. People are considered “in recovery” from their first day seeking help.
This is a practical and accurate description of pharma-based treatments, i.e. methadone, naltrexone, buprenorphine, etc. MAT is considered one possible therapy route, and includes behavioral health support.
In 2022, the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio launched a survey about gambling behaviors and received over 14,000 responses. This survey was conducted before sports betting was legal in the state. These answers would likely be different now, since some of the participants were reporting illegal activity in their responses.
In that survey, the top categories of participation were listed as lottery, casino, sports betting, and a newer category—gaming activities. Another important piece of information was the confirmation that problem gambling often co-occurs with both substance use and behavioral disorders.
Compulsive gambling, problem gambling, and gambling addiction—clinically referred to as gambling disorder–is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your life. Gambling means that you’re willing to risk something you value in the hope of getting something of even greater value.
Gambling can stimulate the brain’s reward system much like drugs or alcohol, leading to potential addiction. If you have a problem with compulsive gambling, you may continually chase bets that lead to losses, use up savings and create debt. You may hide your behavior and even turn to theft or fraud to support your addiction.
Compulsive gambling is a serious condition that can destroy lives. Compulsive gambling populations have high suicide rates. Although treating compulsive gambling can be challenging, many people who struggle with it have found help through professional treatment.
A gambling addiction or problem is often associated with other behavior or mood disorders. Many problem gamblers also suffer with substance abuse issues, unmanaged ADHD, stress, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. To overcome your gambling problems, you’ll also need to address these and any other underlying causes as well.
Anyone can experience problem gambling, from high school students exchanging items and money, to seniors spending time at casinos to battle loneliness. While the at-risk or problem gambling category is highest in the 18-24 age range, the numbers remain close until age 65. While gamblers tend to be male, a growing number of women are reporting betting on sports and esports. Minorities and those in poverty reported the highest rates of problem gambling in multiple studies.
CHC is building up resources to treat gambling addiction as a co-occurring issue with substance use disorders. For strictly gambling addiction concerns, we encourage everyone to contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline.
In Ohio, problem gambling treatment services are free. Contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 800.589.9966 to speak to a referral specialist, or visit http://gamblinghelpohio.org to find a specialist near you.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations like CHC.
Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you. Read more about the HELP4U text messaging service.
Stay tuned as CHC increases capacity for gambling addiction treatment!
OMCDC continues to grow with the expansion of our new “Health Home” model of housing. Since 2019 we have been partnering with United Healthcare to provide housing and supportive services to homeless United Healthcare members. Due to their homelessness, they unnecessarily spend months and sometimes years in nursing homes and rehab centers. Through this collaborative partnership, OMCDC has been providing housing and case management services. United Healthcare has provided care coordination, on-site medical services and transportation. This provision of housing and intensive services has enabled these individuals to live stably in their own home and substantially reduced emergency room visits as well as hospital and nursing home admissions.
Due to the success of this program model and our years of experience with operating this type of program, we were approached by the Summit County Continuum of Care and allowed to apply for funding for a new project. In early 2023 we were informed that our “New Genesis Health Home project” had been funded. In addition to the continuum of Care funding, we were awarded a $75,000 grant from Anthem to expand this new project. The New Genesis project is off to a great start. We have secured a beautiful 7 bedroom for this project. We are currently in the process of furnishing and preparing the new home for occupancy. We expect to welcome out first resident in January of 2024.
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