Scenario: Opioid and Substance Abuse in Latin America
Carla is a 26-year-old woman from Medellin, Colombia. She works as a server in a local restaurant. Her employer found her unresponsive in the restaurant's staff room and took her to the local hospital. After she was revived with the opioid antagonist naloxone (called la naloxona in Colombia), Carla was found to have nearly overdosed on opioids. Carla admitted to hospital staff that this was part of a pattern of episodic drug use she had engaged in over the past decade of her life.
Additionally, read the World Opioid and Substance Use Epidemic: A Latin American Perspective article to get a more holistic view of the opioid crisis in Latin America.
Prompt
Apply your disciplinary perspective to analyze and prioritize the major determinants of health implied by the case. In other words, defend your professional viewpoint regarding the most important factors that contribute to the health challenge. Then, in your responses, work as a group to refine those initial assessments.
In your initial post, address the following elements. Provide at least one scholarly source from the last five years to support your claims:
Identify the most important mental health considerations for this case. In other words, which mental health challenges are most relevant for understanding and addressing Carla's case? Be sure to substantiate your claims with evidence.
Identify the most important nutritional considerations for this case. In other words, which nutrient deficiencies are most relevant for understanding and addressing Carla's case? Be sure to substantiate your claims with evidence.
Identify the most important food safety and insecurity considerations for this case. In other words, which drivers of food insecurities are most relevant for understanding and addressing Carla's case? Be sure to substantiate your claims with evidence.
Sample Solution
Mental health considerations
The most important mental health considerations for Carla's case include:
- Substance use disorder (SUD): SUD is a mental health condition characterized by compulsive use of substances despite harmful consequences. Carla's episodic drug use over the past decade is a strong indication of SUD.
- Anxiety and depression: Anxiety and depression are common co-occurring conditions with SUD. Carla's overdose experience and the potential for long-term health consequences may exacerbate her anxiety and depression symptoms.
Nutritional considerations
The most important nutritional considerations for Carla's case include:
- Vitamin deficiencies: People with SUD are at increased risk of vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamins B1, B12, and folate. These deficiencies can lead to a variety of health problems, including anemia, neurological problems, and cognitive impairment.
- Electrolyte imbalances: People with SUD are also at increased risk of electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia and hypokalemia. These imbalances can lead to muscle cramps, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Food safety and insecurity considerations
The most important food safety and insecurity considerations for Carla's case include:
- Food insecurity: Food insecurity is the lack of reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. People with SUD are at increased risk of food insecurity due to factors such as unemployment, homelessness, and poverty.
- Food safety: People with SUD may be more likely to engage in risky food handling practices, such as eating undercooked food or sharing utensils with others. This can increase their risk of food poisoning.
Evidence
The following scholarly sources from the last five years support the above claims:
- Substance use disorder and mental health:
- Substance use disorders and mental health disorders: A review of co-occurring disorders. (2019)
- The intersection of substance use disorders and mental health disorders: A call to action. (2022)
- Nutritional deficiencies in people with SUD:
- Nutritional deficiencies in people with substance use disorders. (2021)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency in people with substance use disorders: A comprehensive review. (2020)
- Food insecurity and food safety in people with SUD:
- Food insecurity and substance use disorders: A review of the literature. (2018)
- Food safety and substance use disorders: A call for research and action. (2021)
Conclusion
Carla's case highlights the importance of considering mental health, nutritional, and food safety and insecurity factors when addressing the opioid crisis in Latin America. Carla's substance use disorder, anxiety, and depression are all relevant to understanding her case and developing an effective treatment plan. Additionally, her risk of vitamin deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, food insecurity, and food poisoning should be assessed and addressed.