Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
Session 8.08 Health, Mental Health, Poverty, and Activism
Presentation #1 Title
Welcome to the Hotel Appalachia: Prevalence and Treatment of Prescription Drug Use in the Appalachian Culture
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
With West Virginia leading the nation in death rates due to prescription drug overdose, 28.9 deaths per every 100,000 individuals, treatment of substance use disorder is a critical concern in Appalachia (Prescription Drug Abuse, 2013). The region has also experienced an increase in hospitalizations and incarcerations that are directly drug related. However, the geographical isolation of the region prevents individuals from receiving adequate treatment of substance use disorder. Prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants are the most commonly misused prescription drugs among the Appalachian population (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, 2012). In the presentation, I will discuss the addictive properties of these drugs and how they can lead to detrimental effects on an individual including physical and psychological dependence as well as impact the functioning of their family system. As policies and drug task forces continue to work against this epidemic providing a band aid remedy, access to mental health treatment for individuals who are addicted to prescription medications continues be a prime concern of the region. I will discuss the impact on the Appalachian culture and the accessibility to these substances through pill mills and doctor shopping. In addition, I will speak about the issues surrounding medical and mental health treatment options as well as policy development for conquering substance abuse for a brighter future.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Leslee N. Browning, M.A. is a clinical psychology doctoral student at Marshall University. Browning's clinical interests and research focuses on substance use within rural populations, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence.
Welcome to the Hotel Appalachia: Prevalence and Treatment of Prescription Drug Use in the Appalachian Culture
Harris Hall 236
With West Virginia leading the nation in death rates due to prescription drug overdose, 28.9 deaths per every 100,000 individuals, treatment of substance use disorder is a critical concern in Appalachia (Prescription Drug Abuse, 2013). The region has also experienced an increase in hospitalizations and incarcerations that are directly drug related. However, the geographical isolation of the region prevents individuals from receiving adequate treatment of substance use disorder. Prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants are the most commonly misused prescription drugs among the Appalachian population (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, 2012). In the presentation, I will discuss the addictive properties of these drugs and how they can lead to detrimental effects on an individual including physical and psychological dependence as well as impact the functioning of their family system. As policies and drug task forces continue to work against this epidemic providing a band aid remedy, access to mental health treatment for individuals who are addicted to prescription medications continues be a prime concern of the region. I will discuss the impact on the Appalachian culture and the accessibility to these substances through pill mills and doctor shopping. In addition, I will speak about the issues surrounding medical and mental health treatment options as well as policy development for conquering substance abuse for a brighter future.
