Introduction: Community Description
It is important to note that substance abuse is a significant problem in New York. This is because in 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a state of emergency due to the opioid crisis and because more than 70,000 people died due to overdoses. Moreover, the problem increased significantly due to the pandemic in 2021, when more than 5,800 people died in New York alone. Furthermore, in 2020, 38 percent more people died from an overdose in New York than in 2019. While in 2021, there was a 68 percent increase in deaths from substance abuse (Aly et al., 2020). In this way, it is possible to observe the rise in the use of substance abuse every year.
It is critical to highlight the populations in New York City that are most vulnerable and have substance use problems. First, the highest number of people who are addicted are those who use drugs during treatment. This is because they become addicted, but they use drugs to reduce the pain (Aly et al., 2020). The next population is also adolescents ages 12 -17. This is because they often become under bad influence and do not have enough knowledge about the consequences of using such substances. Moreover, in 2020, the mortality rate was the highest among white residents of New York City. However, there is no significant difference between the New York population of different races.
Problem Description
Drug addiction is a disease that is difficult to treat and leads to the death of the patient. On average, drug addicts die before age 25, and after they start taking drugs regularly, they live less than four years. Drug addiction is the cause of the high disability in the population (Aly et al., 2020). When under the influence of drugs, patients can control their actions, which often leads to suicide or committing serious crimes. It is also possible to distinguish alcoholism, which is the use of alcohol. During this, people find it challenging to control their drinking, manifesting itself in everyday life. Frequent alcohol consumption leads to physical and mental dependence. Thus, individuals with these addictions are prone to poor health and can cause harm to themselves and others.
Substance abuse and addiction can affect anyone. However, the pubertal period, with its neuroendocrine consequences, has long been observed to contribute to the malignant development of alcoholism. This can equally be applied to substance abuse and addiction in adolescents (Aly et al., 2020). In addition, studies have demonstrated that genetic factors can account for 40 to 60 percent of an individual’s predisposition to develop substance use disorders. Other risk factors for developing substance abuse problems include physical, sexual, or emotional behavior. It can also be exposed to family members or counterparts who use or are using substances. Moreover, before stimulant factors, it is possible to deduce in this way mental health disorders, such as depression.
SBIRT Description
It is important to note that SBIRT is a short-term intervention that is needed for effective treatment at all stages of substance use. At the same time, SBIRT consists of three elements, which are screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment. The use of this therapy method is possible when, during screening, healthcare providers assess patients’ behaviors using standardized tools. After that, there is a short intervention, which means there are short conversations about the harmful effects of harmful substances, and specialists provide advice and offer services. The last stage is the referral for medication, depending on the stage and condition of the patient.
There is also evidence that this program is beneficial. For example, positive measures Southwest Montana Community Health Center in Butte, Montana, offers SBIRT for addiction treatment in rural areas. Initial results demonstrated that screening and brief intervention with specialists reduced the number of people who became addicted by 20 percent. At the same time, in West Virginia (WVSBIRT), there is a collaboration between various health care collaterals to provide quality screening and treatment. Moreover, WVSBIRT designed the project with the unique culture and values of Appalachian residents in mind. Consequently, the effectiveness of using this program has been significant. More than half of the addicts reduced their substance use or stopped using psychoactive substances.
Community Resource
In order to address substance abuse, it is possible to use facilities that exist to deal with addiction. For instance, the Addicts Rehabilitation Center provides comprehensive treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. Furthermore, the center uses new methods that focus on patients’ individual needs (Haight et al., 2018). Therefore, the center’s professionals and equipment can be used to implement SBIRT. Moreover, evaluating such indicators as affordability, it can be noted that treatment at the center is designed for a short time with the help of conversations. Only when patients are critically ill will the complete package be applied to them. In addition, the institution’s website has access to prices for rubber courses. Hence, individuals can choose the type that is most suitable for them, depending on the amount of their time and financial resources.
In addition, the center is located at 1881 Park Avenue and is open Monday through Friday. Moreover, the website has a phone number, so a person can find out more information or make an appointment for a specific hour to visit. Besides, the location of the center near the park and nutrition enhances the accessibility because it indicates a considered transport interchange (Haight et al., 2018). Moreover, people from various social classes can apply for help, so the Addicts Rehabilitation Center is accessible. At the same time, there are many programs at the facility that address specific problems that are indicative of availability. For instance, patients can visit a psychologist to determine the causes of their drug or alcohol use.
Implications
In order to reduce the number of drug and alcohol abuse deaths in New York City, the SBIRT program can be implemented. It is essential to note that the Addicts Rehabilitation Center can be used to implement the program. In this way, addicts will be available to contact the professionals at the center to get counseling and advice (Haight et al., 2018). This method of treatment is effective in the first stages of addiction, as it can prevent the development of addiction. After that, the number of deaths from overdoses and intoxication will be significantly less. Furthermore, referral to treatment will allow patients who have had years of addiction to be referred to experienced professionals. This way, it is more probable that they will receive quality services and become healthy.
Conclusion
Thus, many teenagers and people with health problems suffer from substance abuse in New York City. For example, 5,800 people died because of an overdose in 2021. The problem of alcohol and drug abuse is severe because the number of addicts increases every year. At the same time, it is an illness during which they can harm themselves or others. Implementing SBIRT can help stop the spread of addiction in its early stages. This is because using a talking and counseling tool can keep people safe from overusing pills or alcohol. Also, the Addicts Rehabilitation Center can be used to implement the program first. In this way, New Yorkers will be able to receive information about the effects of abuse in its early stages and proper treatment. Accordingly, applying for this program in New York City will improve the recovery rate and allow for a preventive fight against addiction.
References
Aly, S. M., Omran, A., Gaulier, J. M., & Allorge, D. (2020). Substance abuse among children. Archives de Pédiatrie, 27(8), 480-484.
Del Boca, F. K., McRee, B., Vendetti, J., & Damon, D. (2017). The SBIRT program matrix: a conceptual framework for program implementation andevaluation. Addiction, 112, 12-22.
Haight, S. C., Ko, J. Y., Tong, V. T., Bohm, M. K., &Callaghan, W. M. (2018). Opioid use disorder documented at delivery hospitalization—UnitedStates, 1999–2014. Morbidity and Mortality WeeklyReport, 67(31), 845.