How To Prevent Opioid Misuse and Abuse Among Student Athletes and Adults – TAPinto.net

BLOOMFIELD, NJ – The best methods on how to prevent opioid misuse and abuse among student athletes and adults with chronic pain was discussed during the ‘Operation Helping Hand’ virtual meeting on Wednesday evening.

The event was hosted by the Bloomfield Municipal Alliance Committee, Department of Health and Human Services, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention team, and saw various speakers conversing about this epidemic plaguing the nation.

“Approximately 115 Americans per day die from opioid abuse and misuse,” said Joel Torres, Senior Manager at ADAPT Family Connections.  “When used correctly under a healthcare providers direction, prescription medication is helpful, but most times using prescription pain medication is not the right method, especially for athletes, who usually just need rest while icing an injury.”

Other guest speakers for the event included Dr. Ruchi Mehta and Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens.

“Abuse of opioids and other drugs in an increasing scourge, and Essex County has the highest rate in New Jersey,” Stephens said in a pre-recorded video message.  “Our goal is to disrupt the cycle that leads those to commit crimes to support their drug habit.  We need to place these people in the appropriate drug rehabilitation program while they can work with a recovery specialist.”

Even during the year of COVID-19, the opioid crisis continued to be a crisis in the Bloomfield community, as well as in every community in America.

“It is important that we talk about this issue and learn how we can identify opioid addiction in others so that we can get them help,” stated Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia.  “While this initiative will not provide a cure all, we expect great things to provide those in need with a helping hand.”

The pressures that student-athletes feel to get back on the field or the court too soon before an injury fully heals in one of the causes of opioid misuse.

“We need to make sure these (outreach) programs have great success with the children and the athletes that go through sports programs, and we need to build a culture where athletes feel they don’t need to rush back from an injury,” Torres added.  “Nurses and parents can help as well, and they need to look out for the trends of self-medication.  We need an open dialogue with our children to help reduce the potential for youth alcohol and drug use.  Proper disposal of medications is important also, so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”