More from the National Opioid Coalition
Every September, SAMHSA sponsors Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who recover. The annual theme is Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community.
This Message brought to you by Limestone County Sheriff's Department
The epidemic of opioid abuse has reached crisis levels in north Alabama like everywhere else. Unfortunately, opioids such as fentanyl are showing up masked within illegally distributed prescription drugs, compounding the problem. Often these opioids are produced overseas with little or no regulation or oversight. People who think they are getting Xanax, for example, are often getting fake or real Xanax laced with fentanyl due to its increased availability and low cost.
This epidemic does not discriminate. Its reach has spread to people of every background and social status. Overdoses are increasing.
As dire as these circumstances are, there is hope. For those who find themselves in the middle of this epidemic, there are organizations and people who want to and are willing to help. Churches, counselors, volunteer organizations, families and are among the resources that are available to people who can’t escape the grasp of opioids. Don’t be afraid to reach out and admit you need help. For those with friends or loved ones who they know are struggling with opioids, don’t be afraid to reach out to them, or to seek out these resources on their behalf. It may save their life.
Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely and His Staff Care about you and your Family.
Opioids by the Numbers
- 42,000 deaths by Opioid Overdose in 2017
- 4 of 5 Americans addicted to Heroin report their addiction began with prescription opioids.
- 50% of people who misused prescription painkillers got them from a friend or relative
- 1.4 million people used prescription painkillers non-medically for the first time in the past year
More from the National Opioid Coalition