Mat-Su youth needs assessment on drug addiction finds a lack of community knowledge

Thrive Mat-Su, a Valley coalition aimed at curbing youth substance abuse ran through United Way of Mat-Su, recently completed a Community Health Assessment for heroin and opioid use among the borough's 12 to 25-year olds.

United Way of Mat-Su Executive Director Stephanie Allen said the study is the first step in understanding more about community and the factors contributing to use. Allen said Thrive Mat-Su was one of six statewide grant recipients for the Prevention of Non-Medical Use of Prescription Opioids (NMUPO) and Heroin Use in Alaska.

The focus population broke down into two groups. Prescription opioid use focused on 12-25 year olds, while heroin use statistics came from 18-25 year olds. Allen said Thrive Mat-Su will continue to build the community's capacity to reduce and prevent substance misuse and abuse.

The study looked at opioid and heroin use contributing conditions in the Valley and then select strategies specifically to address those factors. Allen said Thrive Mat-Su and other Valley groups have done a significant amount of work already gathering the necessary data to drive efforts.

Based on national research and the significant causal relationship that contributes to use, this project will focus on the following key intervening variables: social availability of prescription opioids, retail availability of prescription opioids through providers, perception of risk for harm.

OPIOIDS

According to the study, most community members were unaware of community assistance efforts for prescription opioid misuse and there is a lack of knowledge about existing efforts. Those members in a leadership role were aware, but the study said, were hesitant to act on the problem without community support for action.

The study revealed in terms of community climate, most individuals do not know where to start on the problem or what they can do to help. Generally, the community reported an awareness that some resources exist, but they do not know where they are located or how to access these resources to address the issue.

Accessemerged as a key issue. Community members cited easy access to home medicine cabinets with extra prescription opioids. The study indicated people are acquiring drugs through hospice, family, friends, schools, work places, and other social outlets. Additionally, there appears to be a lack of permanent drug disposal opportunities to dispose of the medicine beyond its medical need.

The study indicated a prevalent misconception about riskon multiple levels. Individuals do not understand how easy it is to get addicted. There is a lack of understanding about the relationship between prescription drug use and heroin use among the general population, according to study data. Additionally, there are misconceptions about who is most impacted by prescription drug misuse in the community, and a lack of understanding it impacts on all populations.

According to the study, the community has some knowledge of educational opportunities concerning prescription opioid abuse but it could be strengthened.on the issue has support, though it could be strengthened. This appeared true for community at large, patients issued prescription opioids, and the doctors prescribing them. Data showed that the overall community's awareness of the problem comes largely from the reporting of crimes and other negative attention rather than a reflection of the whole issue.

Overall, Mat-Su consumption patterns do not statistically differ with consumption seen elsewhere in Alaska and in the rest of the country, the study showed. In 2015, approximately 225 Mat-Su middle school students reported misusing prescription drugs during their lifetime, of which an estimated 129 have used in the past 30 days. Moving up to high school-aged students, approximately 765 high school students in the Mat-Su reported misusing prescription drugs during their lifetime, with about 363 reporting having used in the past 30 days. Misuse among alternative schools is higher than misuse by traditional students during their lifetime (39.4 percent vs. 15.0 percent respectively, about 2.6 times higher), and during the past 30 days (20.1 percent vs. 6.9 percent, or 2.9 times higher).

HEROIN

The study showed the community's knowledge on the issues surrounding heroin use comes from the media, personal connections to the drug, and needles found around the community. Those in a leadership position seem to support change, but do not see it as a top priority. Community members may see needles and media around heroin, but community climate engagement only occurs when they have a personal connection, the study says.

The study data revealed there is little to no knowledge about the problem in the community or about local services or resources available. Knowledge only occurs when it becomes a personal issue. In terms of resources, people think they exist, but are unaware of where or the process of how to engage these resources.

Problematic issues concerning heroin are evident. There is a misunderstanding of how easy it is to get addicted and how hard it is to recover. There appears to be misconceptions about the scope of the problem, especially related to a belief the problem occurs primarily among lower socio-economic groups. Many community members have differing perceptions of the signs and symptoms of use.

According to the study, accessto heroin occurs through dealers, theft, family, friends, schools, work places, and other social outlets.

The study revealed community challengesinclude lack of cooperation between treatment providers, need for rehabilitation housing, community controversy of treatment center locations, and a lack of transitional housing. The study revealed there is recognition of the issues surrounding incarceration, transition, and release associated with heroin use because of Valley correctional facilities. However, the study said there are still underserved populations around heroin use including youth, middle and upper class, and outlying areas of the borough.

Mat-Su heroin use statistics for high school students do not differ statistically from the rest of the state or the country as a whole, the study stated. In 2015, approximately 134 high school students reported using heroin in their lifetime. Alternative school students report a lifetime heroin use percentage nearly nine times higher than traditional students (14.0 percent vs. 1.6 percent).

Allen said in the upcoming months, Thrive Mat-Su will be developing a strategic plan to prevent and reduce substance misuse and abuse specific to heroin and opioids.

"(We) have continued to build both our coalition’s capacity as well as the community’s capacity to address heroin and opioid use," Allen said. "In the upcoming months, we will dive deeper to expand our understanding of the nature and extent of NMUPO and heroin use in the Mat-Su and will map out existing resources, gaps in resources and readiness of our community to address opioid and heroin use."