Addiction and Recovery

Unveiling the Hidden Threat: Xylazine in the Drug Supply

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Alex Elswick, PhD Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Season 7, Episode 31
In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley is joined by Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, to discuss Xylazine, a non-opioid sedative increasingly found in the drug supply. Originally used in veterinary medicine, Xylazine is not intended for human consumption but is being mixed with drugs like fentanyl without users' knowledge, complicating the ongoing opioid crisis.
Dr. Elswick explains the unexpected presence of Xylazine in the drug market and its implications, highlighting how it poses new risks to overdose situations. The conversation delves into the difficulties posed by Xylazine's sedative effects, which can mask opioid overdoses and complicate life-saving interventions such as Naloxone administration.
The episode also explores methods used to detect Xylazine presence in communities, including innovative wastewater analysis. As the discussion unfolds, listeners gain an understanding of the broader context of drug contamination and the pressing need for enhanced public awareness.
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Unraveling the Twin Epidemic

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Alex Elswick, PhD Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Season 7, Episode 24
In this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, sheds light on the alarming rise in stimulant use alongside the ongoing opioid crisis, a phenomenon referred to as the "twin epidemic."
Alex discusses how stimulant use, particularly methamphetamine and cocaine, has spiked nationally and in Kentucky, becoming a significant driver of overdose fatalities alongside opioids. The episode explores the complexities of drug use patterns, including the notable shift from injection to smoking as the primary route of drug administration. The conversation also touches on social perceptions around drug use and the lack of effective treatments for stimulant addiction, posing challenges for healthcare providers and communities alike.
The discussion emphasizes the integral role of the Extension in combating substance use by fostering health and wellness through improving nutrition, physical health, relationships, and finances. This episode is a call to action for community engagement in building recovery capital and addressing the root causes of addiction.
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Alcohol Myths

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Alex Elswick, PhD Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Season 6, Episode 44
Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, discusses widely believed alcohol myths and dismantles them with factual information.
With substance use being a pervasive concern, we clarify misconceptions about alcohol use, some as common as; 'alcohol is not a drug', 'people with alcohol problems drink alcohol daily' and 'because kids in Europe begin drinking at an earlier age, they drink more responsibly'. As the discussion unfolds, it becomes apparent how these myths not only misinform society but also contribute to an oblique understanding of alcohol-related issues.
Listen in to learn more about the facts behind these myths, how they impact public health, and the importance of accurate information in promoting healthier life choices. This episode encourages listeners to take a more informed approach towards alcohol use. In the end, it is the debunking of alcohol myths and the propagation of correct information that will lead to a healthier society.
Connect with FCS Extension for assistance with this topic and others you hear about on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Cannabis Myths

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Alex Elswick, PhD Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Season 6, Episode 29
Many of the great thinkers of our time have said that "Knowledge is power!" When it comes to cannabis,  how much do you know? Dispelling myths and providing knowledge is Dr. Alex Elwick's goal for this episode of Talking FACS. 
Connect with FCS Extension for assistance with this topic and others you hear about on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Recovery in the Workplace

Host: Mindy McCulley, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Season 6, Episode 11
Successful recovery from substance abuse depends on many factors.  One important component of successful recovery for many substance users is having a job or career.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Alex Elswick shares about what recovery in the workplace looks like for employers, employees, and the families of those who suffer from this disease.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Trends in Youth Substance Use

Host: Mindy McCulley, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Season 6, Episode 3
There is good news to share regarding the trends in youth substance use. It is always informative when Dr. Alex Elswick share his unique perspective on substance use in Kentucky, but relying on data from the Kentucky
For more information visit:
Kentucky Incentives for Prevention Survey
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel
 

#OperationKYSunshine

FACS Sizzlin' Summer - Week 4
Welcome to Week 4 of our FACS Sizzlin' Summer. Each week our podcast topic will relate to a theme that will be used for summer programming in county offices across the state of Kentucky. On Thursdays at 11 am eastern time, join us on our Facebook page @UKFCSExt for a related webinar.
#OperationKYSunshine
Host:  Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guests: Dr. Amy Kostelic, Extension Specialist for Adult Development and Aging and Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Episode 2, Season 3
With all the quarantines and social distancing which have occurred this year, it is easy to understand why some people are experiencing loneliness.  In this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Jennifer Hunter sits down with Dr. Amy Kostelic and Dr. Alex Elswick to explore some of the effects that social isolation might have had on those in vulnerable populations or living in long term care situations.  In addition, they share health benefits of creative ways to engage others socially.
For additional information about this or any other topics we've shared, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service
Full episode transcript
 

Syringe Support Programs

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest:  Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Episode 26, Season 2
More commonly known as Syringe Exchange programs, these are programs that support the safe access to syringes for those who use intravenous drugs.  Alex Elswick, sits down with Dr. Jennifer Hunter to share that research shows that having safe access programs does not increase drug use in a community, but it does reduce the harm that can come to those who use.  Listen in to this episode of Talking FACS and learn about these programs and the impacts they can make in communities.
Full episode transcript

Good Samaritan Laws

 
Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest:  Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Episode 19, Season 2
On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Jennifer Hunter and Alex Elswick talk about Good Samaritan Laws.  These laws protect individuals who are merely trying to save another's life.  Listen in for a great description and to develop an understanding of what these laws entail.
Full episode transcript

Trends in Substance Use

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest:  Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Episode 16, Season 2
While teen smoking is at an all time low, the use of e-cigarettes is on the rise.  In this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Jennifer Hunter and Alex Elswick discuss the reality of the the trends in substance use from e-cigarettes to overdose deaths to methamphetamine use.
Full episode transcript

Parenting your Child Through Substance Use

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest:  Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Episode 10, Season 2
Parenting teens is tough!  Navigating the waters of potential substance use is frightening for many parents.  In this episode of Talking FACS, Alex Elswick shares with Dr. Jennifer Hunter some realistic techniques for dealing with suspected substance use and being the best support that you can be to your teenage children.
For additional information:
National Institute of Drug Abuse  drugabuse.gov
Kentucky Treatment Locator  findhelpnowKY.org
or call
1-833-8KY-HELP
 
Full episode transcript

The Truth About Vaping

Host:  Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guest: Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Episode 31
Extension specialist, Alex Elswick, returns this week to chat with Dr. Jennifer Hunter about vaping.  He discusses the impact this nicotine delivery system can have on those trying to quit smoking, as well as how this product is being used by young people.  This discussion is very important for parents of preteens and teenagers to hear, especially if you are unfamiliar with the products being discussed.
Full episode transcript
If you are trying to quit smoking, the Centers for Disease Control has some excellent resources which can be found at:
For additional resources and information visit:
It's Never Too Early to Quit
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tips from Former Smokers
or visit @CDCTobaccoFree on Facebook and Twitter.