"Not just a remedy; it's a revolution in the way we understand and treat chronic pain and disease. No other plant offers such a broad spectrum of therapeutic potential, bridging the gap between traditional medicine and holistic care."
— Dr. Terel Newton
Call to Action on the Opioid Epidemic and Mental Health: A Natural Approach
Dr. Terel Newton, currently serves as Trulieve's Florida Medical Director. Drawing from his extensive background in interventional pain management and anesthesiology, advocates for a holistic approach to pain and mental health management. His dedication to exploring non-opioid treatments is rooted in a deep understanding of the profound impact of opioid dependency and the urgent need for safer, more sustainable solutions.
Statistics reveal the gravity of the opioid crisis, with over 80,000 opioid overdose deaths reported in the United States in 2021 alone (CDC) . The economic burden of opioid misuse is staggering, with costs exceeding $1 trillion annually due to healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement (American Action Forum) .
Against this backdrop, Dr. Newton emphasizes the significance of natural methods that foster overall well-being. With years of experience in addressing chronic pain and mental health conditions, Dr. Newton stresses the importance of leveraging natural approaches. His clinical expertise encompasses the utilization of advanced interventional techniques, patient education, and tailored care plans aimed at alleviating pain without resorting to opioids.
Moreover, in Florida, the use of medical cannabis as an alternative treatment has gained traction, with ~ 900,000 registered medical cannabis patients as of 2024 (Florida Department of Health) . Dr. Newton actively engages in educating both patients, support groups and healthcare providers about the benefits of natural pain relief methods, including medical cannabis.
Scientific research supports the efficacy of medical cannabis in pain management. Studies have shown that cannabinoids can reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) . Additionally, a systematic review found that cannabinoids are effective in treating neuropathic pain (Finnerup et al., 2015) .
Through numerous presentations, research endeavors, and community initiatives, Dr. Newton endeavors to raise awareness and offer tangible solutions to combat the opioid epidemic and enhance mental health outcomes.
We extend an invitation to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to join Dr. Newton in this crucial mission. Together, we can combat the opioid crisis and promote safer, healthier alternatives in pain management, including the integration of medical cannabis, to bolster patient care and champion mental well-being.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Drug Overdose Deaths in the U.S. Top 100,000 Annually." CDC.gov.
American Action Forum. "The Economic Toll of the Opioid Crisis in the U.S." americanactionforum.org.
Florida Department of Health. "Medical Marijuana Use Registry Statistics." flhealth.gov.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. "The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research." nationalacademies.org.
Finnerup, N.B., et al. (2015). "Pharmacotherapy for Neuropathic Pain in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Lancet Neurology, 14(2), 162-173.
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