On Friday, August 11, a headline in The Montana Standard read "Drugs, Obesity Top Concerns.”
The article was prompted by the reveal of the recent Community Needs Assessment conducted by St. James Healthcare and the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department. In examining these two issues of most concern, both have a definite impact on the health and wellbeing of our community.
Studies have shown that both drug use and obesity can shorten the average life span of an individual. There is also conclusive evidence which proves both can be induced by genetic and predisposed hereditary make-up. In addition, both have also been linked to childhood trauma. This suggests that the root cause of these serious issues in our community maybe related to individuals seeking substances (ie; food or illicit drugs) as a means to numb the pain of past trauma. The prevalence of these issues in our community provokes attention to Butte-Silver Bow’s rates in both of these categories as higher as compared to the rest of the state. Our communities focus on healthy nutrition and activity will benefit both issues however substance abuse is a larger beast to tackle.
As we delve deeper into these two topics, we discover their impact on the entire population of Butte-Silver Bow. We know that both obesity and substance abuse can be rooted in trauma. We also know that many societal factors play a role. Children traumatized by violence, neglect and abuse at home or other environments often exhibit behavioral health issues. These children often become targets for predators. Our prison systems are overcrowded with inmates who have high ACE scores, in fact 3 out of 4 also suffer from substance use disorders. This repeated toxic stress creates an absence of a sense of security. Brain development is also impeded which leads to a lack of coping skills and resiliency, thus triggering vulnerability in addition to mental and behavioral health issues. Various physical ailments and diseases may be linked to toxic stress and trauma which research shows can shorten the lifespan of an adult who was exposed to these adverse childhood experiences (ACE). The social and emotional strain endured by these victims, forces them to seek relief. This temporary remedy may come in the form of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, meth or even food.
To continue reading this op-ed by Linda Lowney, director of Butte Cares, go to: http://mtstandard.com/news/loc...e6-30f1337b610d.html
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