Red Ribbon Week: The Struggles of Drug Addiction
With the leaves changing and the air becoming colder, it signals the end of October. This week sees the yearly observation of Red Ribbon Week. This week brings awareness, advocacy and resources surrounding drug addiction and the importance of being drugfree. Since its beginning in 1988 the National Red Ribbon Week Campaign has had over 1,000 pledges signed and over 600 schools across the country participating.
Half of people in the United States aged 12 and older have used illicit drugs at least once. Drug addiction is a lifelong struggle for many individuals in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control.” Due to this relapse is quite common with statistics ranging from 40 to 60 percent of addicts relapsing. Relapse, although thought to be a moral failure, over the last 50 years scientists have discovered that with the right treatment, lifestyle changes, and vigilance towards warning signs of regression.
It’s important to recognize the importance of not using drugs and the difficulties that come with drug abuse. It is also important to realize that drug abuse is a disease that affects the brain, and those that are struggling with drug abuse are not less than. Drug abuse can be caused by both environmental and genetic factors. Environments such as being exposed to a peer group that encourages drug use can lead to initial use in drugs. Genetics also plays a factor in how quickly addiction can progress. Becoming sober from drugs also isn’t easy, and it’s a lifelong battle.
Drug use can also be extremely deadly, 70,000 deaths occur annually due to drug overdoses and between 1999 and 2017 over 700,000 overdose deaths have occurred in the United States.
Here are the signs of a drug overdose: Cold, Clammy Skin, Cyanosis, Pinpoint Pupils, Slowed Respiration, Unconsciousness If you suspect someone is having an overdose and they are unconscious first call 911. While waiting for help to arrive place the unconscious individual in the recovery position, 1. Place the person on their side.
2. Bend their Knees (As in the Fetal Position).
3. Rest their Head on top of their arm closest to the floor.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a non-judgmental way, while also being aware of your surroundings.
The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace, by focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries or distractions. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings as they arise.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, by helping you to stay centered and focused on the present moment. It can also help improve your overall well-being, by promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, and what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Some people find it helpful to meditate regularly, while others prefer to engage in mindful activities like yoga or walking in nature. The important thing is to find a practice that works for you, and to make it a regular part of your routine.
Free Mental Health Resources in Cibola:
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line | www.nmcrisisline.com Crisis and Access Line | 1-855-NMCRISIS | 1-855-662-7474 Peer-to-Peer Warmline | 1-855-4NM-7100 | 1-855-466-7100 NMConnect smartphone app helps you easily access support in the moment you need it.
Call or Text 988 for quick, free, mental health support.
Village of Milan Police Department has a chaplain program that supports first responders in need. Understanding the wide community need for mental health support, MPD’s chaplain program can also serve the wider public, visit MPD at 619 Uranium Avenue, Milan, New Mexico, 87021.
MPD has a YANA Program to help those feeling lonely or depressed. People in the program will receive a free, daily phone call and will get the opportunity to chat. Visit https://www.villageofmilan. com/y.a.n.a._registration/ index.php for more information.