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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Brian M. McKernan, MEd, ACADC, SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center, 7735 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814, 240-744-7050, brianm@esi-dc.com

The issue of alcohol or other drug (AOD) use and abuse following disasters has received increased attention over the last ten years. However, while the field of disaster behavioral health has benefited from large scale studies describing the epidemiology of mental health disorders, relatively little is known about the extent that AOD use and abuse increases after disasters and the mechanisms through which this occurs. An increase in AOD use and abuse following disasters constitutes a public health concern and can be linked to stress reactions, prior or current trauma, and other mental health issues. However, little is often understood by service providers who assist disaster survivors about the unique needs of those in recovery from AOD. Mass care shelters are often reluctant to address the AOD recovery or treatment needs of their disaster survivors. Additionally, the 2005 hurricanes forced the closure of methadone clinics across the Gulf region. During the evacuations, patients who were previously receiving Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) either experienced withdrawals or had to negotiate dosages with new MMT providers. This paper will review the literature on AOD use and abuse following disasters and include data from the 2005 hurricane Crisis Counseling Programs (CCP). The differences between increased AOD use, abuse, and dependence following disasters will be examined. Additionally, guidelines will be offered for the AOD prevention and treatment of disaster survivors in mass care settings including guidelines for MMT during disaster evacuations.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to

• Differentiate between alcohol and other drug (AOD) use, abuse, and dependence following disasters.
• Describe the mechanisms through which disasters increase AOD use.
• Identify the AOD prevention and treatment needs following disaster including the unique needs of those on methadone maintenance therapy.

Keywords: Disasters, Substance Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No