Fighting to change the stigma around addiction recovery – WLTX

Report on South Carolina’s Progress in Combating Substance Abuse and Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A 2023 report from the South Carolina Department of Health indicates the state’s first decline in overdose deaths in a decade. This achievement is a direct result of collaborative, multi-sectoral efforts focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery, aligning with key targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The progress addresses a significant public health challenge, with an estimated 450,000 residents struggling with substance-related problems.

Alignment with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The reported decline in mortality directly contributes to SDG Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health. The state’s strategy strongly supports SDG Target 3.5, which calls for strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

• Prevention and Treatment: Years of focused work on prevention and treatment have culminated in this milestone, as noted by the Office of Substance Use Services.
• Medically Assisted Treatment: Dr. Gerald Wilson, Medical Director at New Seasons’ Metro Treatment Center, provides medically assisted treatment programs, a critical component of effective substance abuse treatment.
• Recovery Support: Peer-led initiatives, such as those by Asa Wilson with FAVOR Lowcountry and Oxford Houses, provide essential recovery support systems that are vital for long-term well-being.

Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for the Goals (SDG 16 & SDG 17)

The success in South Carolina exemplifies the power of partnerships (SDG 17) and the importance of effective, accountable institutions (SDG 16) in addressing complex public health issues. The Governor’s Summit on Addiction highlighted this collaborative framework.

Key Partners and Contributions:

1. State Institutions: The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ Office of Substance Use Services and the Department of Health lead the strategic efforts.
2. Law Enforcement: The SLED Narcotics Interdiction Unit was recognized for its contribution to combating substance trafficking and its role in the broader public health strategy.
3. Healthcare Professionals: Medical experts like Dr. Gerald Wilson are at the forefront of providing evidence-based clinical care.
4. Community and Peer Organizations: Advocates with lived experience, such as Asa Wilson, are crucial for building trust and engaging marginalized individuals, demonstrating an inclusive approach to recovery.

Reducing Inequalities and Stigma (SDG 10)

A core component of the state’s strategy involves reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders, which is a barrier to care and a driver of inequality (SDG 10). By reframing addiction as a treatable medical condition, stakeholders are working to ensure equitable access to health services.

• Reframing Addiction as a Disease: Dr. Wilson advocates for viewing substance use disorder as a chronic disease, similar to hypertension or diabetes, to dismantle societal prejudice.
• Peer-to-Peer Engagement: Asa Wilson’s work demonstrates that shared lived experience is effective in welcoming individuals who might otherwise be excluded, fostering an environment of trust and acceptance.
• Public Education: Both recognized leaders emphasize that continued education is essential to challenge misconceptions and encourage more individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article directly addresses public health issues, focusing on substance abuse, addiction, and mortality. The central theme is the state’s effort to combat the substance abuse crisis and the resulting decline in overdose deaths, which is a core component of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article emphasizes the importance of collaboration in achieving the reported success. It explicitly states that the milestone “reflects years of collaborative work focused on prevention, treatment and recovery.” The recognition of individuals and groups from different sectors (healthcare, law enforcement, and civil society) at the Governor’s Summit further highlights the multi-stakeholder partnerships essential for addressing complex social issues like addiction.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

  This target is central to the article. The text details efforts in South Carolina focused on “prevention, treatment and recovery.” It highlights specific treatment methods, such as Dr. Wilson’s work with “medically assisted treatment programs,” and recovery support systems, like Asa Wilson’s work with “FAVOR Lowcountry and Oxford Houses.” The entire article is a report on the progress made toward this target.

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

  The article provides a clear example of this target in action. The success in reducing overdose deaths is credited to “collaborative work.” The Governor’s Awards recognized a diverse group, including Dr. Gerald Wilson (a medical professional in a treatment center – private sector/healthcare), the SLED Narcotics Interdiction Unit (a government/public sector entity), and Asa Wilson (an advocate working with recovery organizations – civil society). This demonstrates a functioning partnership between public, private, and civil society actors.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicators for Target 3.5

  The article provides a direct indicator for measuring progress:

  • Mortality rate due to substance abuse: The headline and first paragraph explicitly mention the “first decline in overdose deaths in 10 years,” which is a key statistical indicator of the impact of prevention and treatment programs.
  • Coverage of treatment services: While not providing a specific number, the article implies this indicator by discussing the work of the “New Seasons’ Metro Treatment Center” and the efforts of advocates to help “others find recovery,” suggesting an increase in the number of people accessing treatment. The statement that “an estimated over 450,000 residents across the state struggle with substance-related problems” provides a baseline for the scale of the issue against which treatment coverage can be measured.

• Indicators for Target 17.17

  The article implies qualitative indicators for measuring the effectiveness of partnerships:

  • Existence of multi-stakeholder collaborations: The article describes the “collaborative work” and the “Governors Summit on Addiction,” which formally recognizes and encourages cooperation between different sectors. The joint effort involving state health officials, the Department of Behavioral Health, medical professionals, law enforcement, and recovery advocates serves as evidence of these established partnerships.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wltx.com