Introduction
The podcast under discussion is “substance use disorders” by Dee S. Owens. This podcast is the fifth episode of a six-part series from the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service Administration. It aims to inform policies on building resiliency against addictions in people and village members during and even after a disaster. The series facilitator is Dee S. Owens, who has served numerous disasters, including 9/11, and has certifications in disaster response. Being the present Assistant Director of SAMHSA’s Center for Behavioural Health, she bravely talks about resiliency against substance abuse, which is highly beneficial for policy formation and learning.
Discussion
In the discussion, it can be learned that people who suffer from substance abuse have specific needs. This attribute makes it crucial for response teams to be aware of the particular needs of each person suffering from substance abuse. Her podcast shows that recovery takes different dimensions of time depending on the level of substance abuse (SAMHSA, 2022). For instance, abusers who are not yet addicted are prone to overuse in disasters. In contrast, those new to drug and substance use may take up to half a year to fully recover (Kopak & Van Brown, 2020). Other specific needs include those continuing treatment who may suffer defaulting because of the unavailability of medication whenever a disaster strikes. Notably, there is a need to account for all the specific needs of the different subsets of abusers.
Dee S. Owens provides that several factors play a role in fostering resiliency. A shorter recovery time for most abusers who are continuing treatment may result in a relapse. Victims with significant support networks do well in their resiliency compared to those with weak network support (SAMHSA, 2022). Another vital factor in fostering resiliency is diversifying access points for medication items. Owens dictates that having an access point reduced to a national stockpile alone is disastrous. Policymakers enhancing resiliency among abusers should factor in these elements for great success.
When disaster strikes, it is prudent to have first responders on the ground who functions to help the immediate needs of the vulnerable population. Notably, the role of first responders is imminent and inevitable in helping disaster victims (SAMHSA, 2022). Engaging first responders to bear more fruits should they be involved in the planning processes rather than ambushing impromptu. Engaging them in the planning processes allows for evaluating their competency and qualification in handling people with substance use and abuse problems. Naser & Saleem (2018) discuss that adjustments like training and education can be provided in advance if the evaluation shows the need for the same. Security officers do not take seriously interventions that they find deficient of a year’s experience in handling any population during disasters. Training first responders, educating them, and engaging them in planning are vital policies for helping substance abusers.
Conclusion
There is a lot to learn from the valuable education provided by Dee S. Owens in the fifth segment of the six podcast series on policy formation for resiliency on victims of substance use disorders. Among the thoughts that were presented, three particular ones stand out. There is a need for policy informers to understand that each substance abuser has a specific need that must be understood and met. Several factors are influential in determining resiliency and recovery, which the policy influencers must also understand. There is a need for collaboration with first responders, who must be educated and trained.
References
Kopak, A. M., & Van Brown, B. (2020). Substance use in the disaster life cycle: a research agenda and methodological considerations. American Behavioral Scientist, 64(8), 1095-1110.
Naser, W. N., & Saleem, H. B. (2018). Emergency and disaster management training; Knowledge and attitude of Yemeni health professionals-a cross-sectional study. BMC emergency medicine, 18(1), 1–12.
SAMHSA. (2022). Episode 5: Persons with substance use disorders.