Specialist urges community to destigmatize addiction

News
Clearview Center - Chatuge

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Drug addiction is a nationwide epidemic, and Towns County is not exempt from the toll that substance abuse can take on individuals, families, and the community as a whole.  Elizabeth McKeon, a board-certified psychiatric, recovery, and addiction RN with Chatuge Regional Hospital’s Clearview Center, shared the importance of destigmatizing drug addiction in order to help curb the epidemic within the area. McKeon explained that she accepted a position to coordinate a behavioral health holding area at the local emergency department to assist patients seeking treatment for behavioral health crises. The registered nurse said that the unit held a “great number of people” requesting detoxification from methamphetamine and heroin to alcohol.

opioid overdose stats

Opioid overdose has been identified as the nation’s most pressing health concern.

“I saw people I had grown up with suffering from these addictions,” McKeon said. “I realized very quickly that drug addiction has no boundaries and no one is safe in its path. I made alliances with local mobile crisis teams, churches, law enforcement, EMS, and anyone else willing to help battle this nightmare that had taken over my town. One thing I noticed the entire time was the stigma revolving around all behavioral health, including substance abuse.”

McKeon explained that people who are exposed to stigmatization related to drug use are less likely to seek treatment, increasing costs and deaths nationwide. Research shows that that cost-related estimates amounted to a staggering $510 billion in healthcare, criminal justice, and lost productivity combined. McKeon stated that by 2020, mental and substance use disorders will surpass all physical diseases as a major source of disability worldwide.

“When health providers carry a stigma towards people with mental health diagnoses and/or substance use disorders, it can affect their willingness to access or treat the patient for these disorders, how they approach him or her, and it may prevent addicted individuals from seeing healthcare altogether,” McKeon said.

McKeon encouraged the community to model non-stigmatizing behavior by providing non-judgemental, empathic support toward those battling substance addiction, displaying kindness, listening to someone’s story, seeing the person rather than the drug, educating oneself on substance dependency, volunteering, and avoiding hurtful labels.

McKeon and staff can be reached at the Clearview Center at 706-896-5840.

Related archive:

Cocaine, heroin charges possible following Hiawassee arrest

News

DEVELOPING:

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – FetchYourNews (FYN) obtained information regarding a drug arrest conducted by Hiawassee Police Department Sunday, Oct. 20. James Marlin Bailey, 37, was taken into custody Sunday afternoon by the city law enforcement division and booked at the Towns County Detention Center on pending charges.

Hiawassee Police Department

FYN has since learned from law enforcement that possession, including trafficking, of cocaine and what appeared to be “black tar” heroin charges are possible following the Sunday afternoon arrest.  FYN is awaiting additional information on the incident from Hiawassee Police Department at this time.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, black tar heroin comes in the form of a dark, sticky substance. Distinguishing between the powder and black tar forms of heroin is typically simple, even for the untrained eye, since black tar gets its name from its resemblance to roofing tar.

All forms of heroin are derived from morphine, a powerful opioid painkiller. Black tar heroin is primarily produced in Mexico, according to the New York Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. Some South American and Asian countries have also been known to export the drug.

Bailey’s social media information shows that he is from the Jacksonville, Florida area, and attends North Georgia Technical College.

Rachel Iris Goodwin, 37, was additionally arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, possession, and use of drug-related objects, and crossing state/county guard lines with weapons, intoxicants, and/or drugs without consent. Goodwin is listed by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office as being held without bond. Goodwin’s social media profile states her residence is also located in Jacksonville, Florida.

Should charges prevail, the case will be forwarded to Enotah Circuit District Court for prosecution. Bailey and Goodwin are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Follow FYN for additional details as they become available.

Hiawassee Police Department archives

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If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of our counties of coverage, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

New Plan in Drug Overdose Response

Press Release

Routine Traffic Stop leads to Heroin Arrest

Arrest Reports, City Police, News
Police Department

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Department conducted a routine traffic stop on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 15, upon witnessing a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu improperly traveling east on Main Street, unlawfully occupying the center turning lane. State law prohibits the use of a central turn lane in excess of 300 feet of travel.

The driver was identified as Lisa Beth Bradley, 55, of Roswell, Georgia.

Lisa beth bradley

Lisa Beth Bradley

“I noticed as I was talking to the driver that she was sweating more so than seemed normal, her eyes were very constricted, and she seemed very nervous,” the officer stated in the report obtained by FYN, “The driver then advised me that she was distracted due to her vehicle overheating.”

Upon requesting Bradley exit the vehicle, and observing additonal behavior which led the officer to question the condition of the driver, the officer inquired as to whether Bradley was taking medication. According to the officer’s report, Bradley stated that she was not, shortly thereafter divulging a methadone prescription. Hiawassee Police Department purportedly retained consent to search Bradley’s vehicle – with Bradley documented as repeatedly responding “if you have to” – prompting law enforcement to subsequently discover the methadone and a pipe, resemblant to that of a narcotic smoking device, “burnt on both ends” along with a “small clear baggie with what appeared to be heroin or possibly crack cocaine.”

Hiawassee Police Department

According to the Hiawassee Police Department, nine syringes were found in the suspect’s vehicle

Hiawassee Police Department stated that when asked if the substance was heroin, Bradley replied, “I believe so.”

Methadone, a powerful narcotic, is often legally prescribed to heroin and opioid users as replacement therapy to quell the harsh withdrawl symptoms experienced from discontinuation of the initial drug of abuse.

Bradley was taken into custody and charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession and Use of Drug-Related Objects, and Improper Use of Central Turn Lane. Bradley was transported to the Towns County Detention Center, with the investigation turned over to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office. Bradley’s vehicle was towed and impounded.

Bradley is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

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Habersham overdose leads to felony murder charges

News
ARDEO

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. – On Feb. 9, 2018, the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), the Mt. Airy Police Department, and the Department of Corrections executed five opioid-related search warrants in Habersham and Franklin counties.

During the course of a five-month overdose death investigation of Adam Hicks, ARDEO Agents identified a heroin distribution ring in north Georgia. Authorities executed five search warrants and charged five people with violating the Georgia Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act. The investigation also uncovered additional people from Adam Hick’s inner circle that were distributing heroin and oxycodone.

Appalachian Drug Task Force

As a result of the evidence and information developed, Habersham County authorities have arrested Ashley Sosbee for felony murder in the overdose death of Adam Hicks. Authorities have worked tirelessly to bring the people responsible for the death of Adam Hick to justice. This investigation speaks loudly to opioid dealers that law enforcement will not sit idly on the sidelines as the people in communities die.

 

Authorities served search warrants at:

  1. Chad Harrelson and Brandi Freeman’s residence, 550 Welcome Home Road, Mt. Airy, Georgia;
  2. James Heumaneus’ residence, 399 Circle Drive, Cornelia, Georgia;
  3. Bud Heaton and Karen Shope’s residence, 293Airport Road, Baldwin, Georgia;
  4. Jackie Galliher’s residence, 199 Ivy Hills Circle, Mt. Airy, Georgia; and
  5. Janie Rogers’ residence, 2276 Kesler Road, Carnesville, Georgia.

Appalachian Drug Task ForceHabersham authorities executed arrest warrants for violations of the Georgia Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act for:

Ashley Sosbee 25, of Alto, Georgia;

Jordan Flanagan, 25, of Alto, Georgia;

Brandon Burton, 25, of Cornelia, Georgia;

Dustin Thomas, 22, of Alto, Georgia;

Grant Martin, 21, of Cornelia, Georgia;

Jessica Hancock, 23, of Clarkesville, Georgia; and

Patricia Blacklock, 20, of Gainesville, Georgia.

Habersham authorities also executed arrest warrants for the following people:

Cole Dalton, 19, of Alto, Georgia – Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin;

Bud Heaton, 76, of Baldwin, Georgia – Sale of Controlled Substances Schedule II (Oxycodone), Possession Schedule II With Intent to Distribute Oxycodone;

James Heumaneus, 48, of Cornelia, Georgia – Sale of Controlled Substances Schedule II (Oxycodone);

Janie Rogers, 49, of Carnesville, Georgia – Sale of Schedule II (Oxycodone), Possession of Marijuana Less Than One Ounce, Possession of Controlled Substance Schedule II (Oxycodone);

Karen Shope, 40, of Baldwin, Georgia – Sale of Controlled Substance Schedule I (Methamphetamine) x 2.Habersham methamphetamine Shope has not been arrested yet;

Tina Smelcer, 47, of Cornelia, Georgia – Possession of Schedule II Control Substance;

Tilynn Ivester, 49, of Baldwin, Georgia – Possession of Schedule IV Control Substance;

Brandi Freeman, 33, of Mt. Airy, Georgia – Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute and Abandonment of Dangerous Drugs;

James Chadrick Harrelson, 35, of Mt. Airy, Georgia –Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute and Abandonment of Dangerous Drugs; and

Jacqueline Galliher, 44, of Mt. Airy, Georgia – Possession of Controlled Substance Schedule IV and Possession of Schedule II.

The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County and Franklin County, along with the Cleveland Police Department, Lavonia Police Department, the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Department of Public Safety, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Four Indicted for Distributing Heroin

News

CDC reveals deadliest drug in America

Health, News

According to the latest numbers from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, Fentanyl is now the most commonly used drug involved in overdoses. 

The new report says that the rate of drug overdoses involving the synthetic opioid increased by about 113% each year from 2013 through 2016.

What is fentanyl?

Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever, approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. 


It is prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges and can be diverted for misuse and abuse in the United States.

However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl. It is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product–with or without the user’s knowledge–to increase its euphoric effects.

Illicitly-made fentanyl use is on the rise

The rate of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone, which includes fentanyl, doubled from 2015 to 2016. Roughly 19,400 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids other than methadone in 2016.

Reports from law enforcement indicate that much of the synthetic opioid overdose increase may be due to illegally or illicitly made fentanyl. According to data from the National Forensic Laboratory Information System, confiscations, or seizures, of fentanyl increased by nearly 7 fold from 2012 to 2014. There were 4,585 fentanyl confiscations in 2014. This suggests that the sharp rise in fentanyl-related deaths may be due to increased availability of illegally made, non-pharmaceutical fentanyl, and not prescribed fentanyl.

The number of states reporting 20 or more fentanyl confiscations every six months is increasing. From July to December 2014, 18 states reported 20 or more fentanyl drug confiscations. By comparison, six states reported 20 or more fentanyl drug confiscations from July to December 2013.

What can be done?

CDC suggests the following actions in response to increases in fentanyl-related overdose deaths:

Improve detection of fentanyl outbreaks

  • Public health departments:
    Explore methods for more rapidly detecting drug overdose outbreaks, including fentanyl.
  • Medical examiners and coroners:
    Screen for fentanyl in suspected opioid overdose cases in regions reporting increases in fentanyl confiscations, fentanyl-related overdose fatalities or unusually high spikes in heroin or unspecified drug overdose fatalities. Not all jurisdictions routinely test for fentanyl.
  • Law enforcement:
    Law enforcement can play an important role identifying and responding to increases in the distribution and use of illegally-made fentanyl.

Expand Use of Naloxone

Naloxone is a safe and effective antidote to opioid-related overdoses, including heroin and fentanyl, and is a critical tool in preventing fatal opioid overdoses. Depending on state and local laws, this medication can be administered by EMS, law enforcement, other drug users, or family and friend bystanders who have obtained the medication.9

  • Health Care Providers:
    Multiple doses of naloxone may need to be administered per overdose event because of fentanyl’s high potency relative to other opioids.10
  • Harm reduction organizations:
    Conduct trainings on naloxone use to persons at risk for opioid-related overdose and their friends and family members.

 

 

The GBI Crime Lab Receives Synthetic Opioid Carfentanil

Featured, Featured Stories, News

Decatur, GA – Within the past week, the GBI Crime Lab’s drug identification unit received three cases from separate seizures of the synthetic opioid carfentanil. Carfentanil is a fentanyl analog used as a tranquilizer on large animals such as elephants.

It is purported to be 100 times stronger than fentanyl and suspected of playing a role in hundreds of overdoses in the Midwest part of the country this past month. It can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin and very toxic in small quantities. The cases that came in the lab were from the metro Atlanta area and were all suspected to be heroin. As a result of this drug coming into the GBI Crime Lab, lab scientists have enhanced their safety protocols to protect them from the potential dangers.

Some of the changes include wearing a face mask as well as testing any case suspected to contain heroin under a ventilated hood. Officer safety is of grave concern and all officers are strongly encouraged to take extreme caution when handling any suspected opioid.

Carfentanil is not intended for human use and the opioid overdose reversal drug Narcan may be effective but only after multiple doses. The public is urged to be aware of the extreme dangers of handling and consuming carfentanil.

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