By Rev. Leo Yates, Jr.
"How long do you have to wait before you can administer a second dose?" and "Does it hurt them if it wasn't an overdose?" are just a couple of many questions asked by students from Wesley Theological Seminary in the Pastoral Care and Counseling course, Addiction Recovery Ministry. Most of us have heard about opioid overdoses and the results. This class provided instruction for pastors and similar caregivers on how to handle such situations. Students heard personal stories of opioid addiction and about parents' worries about teen or family members overdose problems.
[Two students drafting a
relapse prevention plan]
Students also learned
how to prepare for such occurrences. "Every church should have Narcan (a
nasal spray that can counteract an overdose), because it can save lives if
administered in time." This need is part of the community context for many
clergy, as pastoral care is often given for church members and those who are
served by the ministry programs at some churches.
Narcan can also be given
to the parents who express concern about their family member's drug use, or at
least be given a coupon to take to a pharmacy in order to purchase the medication.
Students learned that some local health departments carry the life-saving
medication and that referrals can be shared with the parents. In some states, Naloxone,
the generic version, is sometimes available through the mail, for free. Contact
Naloxoneforall.org for information. Also, check
here for a list of states
that permit distribution by mail.
Students also received
instruction about what signs to look for when it comes to opioid overdose, such
as eyes rolling back, bluish lips or fingernails (due to the lack of oxygen),
and being sedated (sleepy). In addition, when calling 911 for a suspected
overdose, it is sometimes best to state that the person is unresponsive rather
than assuming that they are having a possible overdose. Church leaders, particularly
those who lead Bible studies or youth groups, who oversee food pantries, and
the like, along with others are encouraged to participate in annual or
bi-annual trainings, which can be as simple as overdose
prevention education that
explains what opioid emergencies look like.
[Students listing signs of addiction]
While some people
receive Narcan or Naloxone in time, the unfortunate reality is many do
not. 83% of opioid-related deaths are accidental. According to the makers
of Narcan, mainstream America is at risk, as 60 million Americans received an
opioid prescription in 2016. Click here to read more recent overdose statistics by state.
Another aspect to
opioid, heroin, or fentanyl overdoses (deaths) is the grief and loss that
occurs. With this in mind, a funeral director addressed the class as a guest
speaker to share insights about funerals related to overdoses. Pastoral and
congregational care was emphasized in class discussions. Students also practiced
pastoral care skills in mock scenarios. Along with these, overdose
aftercare (for overdose survivors)
and having raw conversations are needed (e.g. do not use alone or behind locked
doors). These may involve the survivor directly, as well as parents or other
family members.
[Two students
discussing an assignment]
Encouraging faith communities to become recovery
churches sometimes begins with the pastor or minister. These seminary students
are learning this through their in-class conversations, their studies, and
their class paper. While August 31st is International Overdose Prevention Day
and September is National Recovery Month, these needs can be observed any day of the
year and done often.
[Image Description: Students and their professor posing for a class selfie.]
Rev. Leo Yates, Jr.,
LCPC
Consultant, Global
Ministries United Methodist Committee on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries
Secretary, Council of
Bishops DisAbility Ministries Committee
Secretary,
Baltimore-Washington Area Reconciling United Methodists
Associate Pastor, Emmanuel United Methodist Church
Associate Pastor, Emmanuel United Methodist Church
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